ONLY seven per cent of eligible homes in the Forest have taken up the offer to have a free radioactive gas test.

Now Public Health England, who announced the offer last month, which applies to homes across Gloucestershire, said they are particularly reaching out to Forest households.

Around 10,000 homes in the Forest are eligible for the test which checks the radon level your home is exposed to.

Neil McColl, head of radon at Public Health England, said: "So far the response from those we've contacted in the Forest of Dean is lower than the take-up from other areas.

"That's why we're urging people who haven't yet responded to dig out their offer letter, fill it in and pop it in the post, it only takes a few minutes and it is the only way of knowing if your home has a high level.

"The test, and postage, is free so it won't cost you a penny."

Radon is an odourless, colourless natural gas which seeps into homes from the ground. Long term exposure to the gas can lead to lung cancer and it's estimated that each year about 1,000 people across the UK die from a radon- linked lung cancer.