Notts County's Michael Johnson has helped launch the latest local health campaign 'Love Your Lungs'.

He is supporting the British Lung Foundation and NHS Nottingham City's campaign to get people across Nottingham to come and have a free lung test.

A major lung disease called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been highlighted as a particular concern in Nottingham. British Lung Foundation research, published in its 'Invisible Lives' report, showed that people living in the city were 40% more likely to be admitted to hospital with COPD than anywhere else in the UK.

Michael commented: "As a footballer I regularly get my breathing and lungs checked so am delighted to support the launch of the 'Love Your Lungs' campaign in Nottingham. My result wasn't actually as high as I'd have thought given I'm always running around the pitch, but I think passive smoking may have had an impact on my lungs as although I've never smoked myself members of my family do.

"I think the free lung tests are a great idea especially as I've heard today that lung disease kills more people than some types of cancer. I'd encourage people to get along to one of the events, even if they think their problem is very small, just to be in the safe side."

The following free lung testing events are taking place in Nottingham:

* Thursday 7th May - Cornerstone Centre Clifton - 9am - 3pm
* Wednesday 13th May - Tesco's, Bestwood - 8.30am - 3pm
* Wednesday 20th May - Co-op, Bilborough - 8.30am - 3pm
* Thursday 28th May - Victoria Shopping Centre (First Floor) - 9am - 3pm

The BLF is keen to reach people who are unaware of the early symptoms of lung disease like a persistent cough with lots of phlegm or breathlessness.

Jen Ainsworth, BLF National Service and Development Manager said: "The test is an easy way of helping people to identify potential symptoms and find out if there's a problem we can help them with.

"Simply by blowing into a tube we can gauge the health of someone's lungs and start to point them in the right direction, whether that is to local stop smoking services, looking at lifestyle and healthy eating, or putting them in touch with other people in the same situation through a Breathe Easy support group."

For further information, visit www.lunguk.org or phone the helpline 08458 50 50 20.