New centre for sexually transmitted infections in Truro

A £3m centre has opened in Cornwall to treat patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The unit, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, will also offer contraception advice.

Rates of chlamydia, syphilis and HIV in the county are increasing, with a growing incidence in people over the age of 45.

Frances Keane, director of sexual health services, said the new facilities were outstanding.

"We've always had great staff here, but now we've got the facilities to provide a really top-quality service for patients," she told BBC News.

Dr Keane said the continuing rise in STIs was worrying, with one in 12 people under the age of 25 in Cornwall with chlamydia and increases HIV and syphilis.

She said the reasons included more sexual partners, not using condoms and people having sex at an earlier age.

"All these things add up to an increased rate of STIs," she said.