A SERIES of activities are being held in Huddersfield to highlight a major health problem.

Exhibition stands and information days will be taking place from September 12 to 18, to raise awareness about continence.

The drive comes after it emerged how one in five adults were affected by continence problems.

Uncontrollable urges to empty the bladder and waking at night to visit the toilet were some of the problems associated with the condition.

Joanne Whiteley, continence service manager for Huddersfield Central and South Huddersfield primary care trusts, said: "Although bladder and bowel problems are very common, the subject is still not openly discussed.

"People are often too embarrassed to ask for advice, or they assume it's untreatable and so suffer in silence.

"This is a great pity, because it's nothing to be ashamed about and professional help is available.

"In most cases the condition can be cured, or at least managed so that it doesn't get in the way of everyday life."

A specialist continence nursing team will be on hand to offer advice at sessions across the town.

They will be encouraging people to visit their GPs and also promoting an Urgent card for people who need to use toilets in a hurry.

On September 12 they will be at an awareness day at the Briar Court Hotel, Birchencliffe between 10am and 4pm.

Stands with information and continence- related products will also be at the event.

The nursing team will also be offering advice at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary from 11am to 3pm on September 14 and at the Co-op supermarket in Holmfirth, from noon to 3pm on September 15.