Cancer petition is given to Blair

A couple who lost their daughter to cervical cancer have handed in a petition at Downing Street calling for a new test to be introduced.

The 12,000-signature petition, which calls for a more accurate test to be brought in, was handed in by Sheila and Dennis Van Neck, from Plymouth.

Their daughter, Sue Spratt, died in 1999 at the age of 32 after early smear tests fail to pick up abnormal cells.

The family say liquid-based cytology testing is a more accurate method.

'Better screening'

It is already being rolled out across the South West.

Health trusts elsewhere in the UK are planning to bring it in as late as 2008.

The couple say its introduction should be a priority, and they are hoping that by petitioning the Prime Minister, things might be speeded up.

Sheila van Neck said: "If there's a better test that can prevent a tragedy like this then we think it should be in place because it is preventable.

"This is a better screening and Sue's problem should never have happened."