A young mum has launched a campaign to lower the age at which women can be screened for cervical cancer.

After having her first smear test, Teri Stewart, 25, was told pre-cancerous cells had been found in her cervix.

She had the cells removed, but the shock of what happened has encouraged her to raise awareness of smear testing.

Teri, from Warden Bay, has launched a group on internet site Facebook which more than 60 people have already joined.

The group is called 'Be Part of It, lower the age of smear testing’.

The mum-of-one also plans to start a petition to give to the health authorities.

Teri said she wants to raise awareness about smear testing and encourage everyone to have them done regularly.

She also wants to get the minimum age for smear testing lowered to 21.

At the moment, 12 and 13-year-old girls are vaccinated against human papilloma virus (HPV) which can lead to cervical cancer.

But Teri believes the age should be lowered because the vaccinating is quite a new thing so there will be some young women who will have missed out.

She said: “It was my first smear test so I was shocked and upset when I found out.

“Women should be looking after themselves and it’s important to have the knowledge of why you should have it done.”