A MAJOR campaign to increase the number of HIV tests in the capital has been backed by Boris Johnson.

The Mayor of London is urging people to take part in the country's first ever National HIV Testing Week from November 23 to November 30.

Organised by sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, it aims to increase testing among the most at risk sectors of the populations, particularly gay men and Africans.

Mr Johnson said: "London is home to almost half of all people living with HIV in the UK, but a quarter of them are unaware they carry the virus.

"It is vital that people who might be at risk get tested, not only to reduce the risk of transmission to others, but to ensure they get the life-saving treatments that are available."

For more information visit tht.org.uk