DROITWICH Spa's male population must take health matters into their own hands to reduce the number of preventable deaths among young men.

The town's Men's Health Forum is backing National Men's Health Week, which kicks off on Monday and this year focuses on sexual matters.

Droitwich and Rural Council for Voluntary Service runs the project at the Old Library Centre, in Ombersley Street East, as part of the Healthy Living Project.

The forum claims too many men are suffering from unnecessarily poor health and the situation has worsened in the past 30 years.

Between now and 2005, project officer Paul Middleton, will organise events and activities to address issues and analyse local need among men aged 15 to 60.

He has already been working Chawson, Westlands and Primsland residents and has invited a special information bus to visit Droitwich on Wednesday, packed with information about men's health and lifestyles. He aims to promote times and locations in the coming week.

Paul told the Advertiser: "Our health really is no different to any other part of our lives, such as being responsible for our children, jobs, finances, and driving safely.

"Without good health we can do nothing, yet many men seem reluctant to talk about such matters."

Paul is forming a health task force and believes role models of all ages will emerge from his projects to become the future of the forum.

"Our main aim is to actively encourage men of all ages to become more interested in health & lifestyle issues, just like woman and older folk do," added Paul.

"However, we really need to catch 'em young, and initially we will concentrate on youths and young married men, some with families'.

To contact Paul call 01905 794794.

The Spa's Men's Health Forum is backed by a number of organisations, including Droitwich Leisure Centre, in Briar Mill.

Boss Tim Kirkham said: "This project is a great way for Droitwich men to get fitter, healthier and happier".