Broadcaster and radio DJ John Peel has put his weight behind a trial diabetes screening service in Suffolk.

It was only when the DJ's eyesight started failing that he went for the test which revealed that he was diabetic.

He was relieved that his health problems had been diagnosed.

Peel's problems with his sight have now been dealt with but he knows how vital it is that those who have diabetes have regular and thorough eye tests.

Anticipate problems

"I think I'm lucky really in that they were able to do something about it but I think if they can anticipate problems that is to everyone's advantage," he said.

"I think anybody who is diabetic ought to come in at least once to get their eyes checked."

The broadcaster called in when the touring clinic, which is travelling around GPs' practices in Suffolk, stopped in Newmarket.

Detailed picture

The system uses a camera to get a detailed picture of the inside of the eye which shows up the very earliest signs of any problems.

In the two months that the mobile service has been on trial several people have been referred for treatment and their eyesight saved.

As many as one in 30 people will suffer from diabetes.

More than a million people in this country are affected by the biggest cause of blindness in the country.