DOCTORS at a Newton-le-Willows medical centre are leading the way alongside scientific experts in offering a HPV vaccination to boys as well as girls.

The Pall Mall Medical, in Newton, has begun encouraging the parents of adolescent boys to protect them with a vaccine.

The call came as scientific experts met to discuss whether a campaign should be rolled out across the country.

The committee is expected to focus initially on whether to offer the vaccine to homosexual men, who may be at higher risk.

But a coalition of health experts and campaigners say vaccinating all boys aged 12 to 13 would save lives.

HPV infections cause five per cent of all cancers worldwide, with rates rising, including most cases of cervical cancer, and some cancers in other parts of the body.

The UK's HPV vaccination programme reaches over 80% of girls, but coverage rates are lower in some communities.

CEO of the private clinic on Belvedere Road, Stephanie Byrom said: ''We should be protecting men as well as women when it comes to HPV and this is why we are offering the vaccine to both boys and girls.

“If parents knew they could be protecting their sons as well as daughters from a virus that causes five per cent of all cancer forms, then I am sure they would be in no doubt''.

Families can get further advice on the vaccine by calling Pall Mall Medical on 0161 832 2111.