'Worrying' new figures reveal the area death rate from the deadly disease is a staggering 40 per cent above the national average.

Our district ranks 52nd from bottom of 529 constituencies, with an alarming 34 deaths per 100,000 citizens. But York, just 14 miles away, enjoys the ninth lowest level nationwide.

Chapel Haddlesey Parish Council clerk Bryan Metcalf, who has battled the crippling condition for 13 years, runs regional and international support groups.

The 63-year-old (left) this week led calls for more local males to be tested. "There could be all sorts of reasons why the figures are so high. It could be the willingness of men to go and be tested or possibly a poor diet.

"My message to anyone displaying symptoms is, if in doubt, get it checked out."

Prostate is the most common form of cancer among men, with more than 35,000 sufferers diagnosed with the disease each year across the country.

Symptoms include urinating more frequently, pain or discomfort when passing water and feeling the bladder hasn't completely emptied.

NHS North Yorkshire and York medical director Dr David Geddes stressed more work needs to be done to raise awareness of an illness that claims an estimated 10,000 lives annually nationwide.

"The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is patients can be offered successful treatment and will make a full recovery. Prostate cancer develops over a long period of time.

"The chances of developing it can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle, including taking exercise and eating a varied and balanced diet."

MP John Grogan, who branded latest figures as "worrying", aims to raise the issue with NHS chiefs. "Early detection rates, like with all forms of cancers, is key.

See this week's Selby Times for more on this story.