A HEREFORDSHIRE MP was tested for coeliac disease

during a parliamentary reception at the House of Commons this week.

Now, Leominster MP Bill Wiggin is urging others to be tested for what is one of the most under-diagnosed yet most common diseases.

About one in 100 people have the intolerance to gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye - yet four out of five remain undiagnosed.

Left untreated, coeliac disease can result in bowel cancer and osteoporosis.

As part of Coeliac Awareness Week, Coeliac UK - the only national charity supporting people with the disease - gave simple fingertip blood tests to MPs.

Mr Wiggin said: "I am pleased to be able to lend my support to Coeliac UK's campaign to raise awareness of this disease.

"With a prevalence of one in 100 of the population I welcome its endeavours to raise awareness among healthcare professionals to increase the rate of diagnosis."

Common symptoms of coeliac disease include diarrhoea, wind, severe tiredness, bloating and mouth ulcers. Once diagnosed, symptoms can only be alleviated by following a strict gluten-free diet.

The fingertip testing kits used at the reception will soon be available as a home testing kit in the UK - but anyone who thinks they might have coeliac disease are advised to seek advice from their GP.

Meanwhile, a Herefordshire company has just launched gluten-free pies suitable for people with coeliac disease.

The Special Diet Company, run by mother and daughter team Elaine and Alexandra Sherry, in Kings Caple, hand-finish each pie in its country kitchen using fresh, quality ingredients.

The Special Diet Company's pies are available to buy online at www.thespecialdietcompany.com .

Call 0845 324 6450 for more details.