ASTHMA sufferers in Worcester are being urged to take part in a scientific study.

University College Worcester research student Melanie Jones is investigating the links between fungal spores, pollen and asthma.

She aims to identify allergies in the home and reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment.

The study is being supported by the Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust and has the backing of a well-known vacuum cleaner maker.

"I'm going through the pilot scheme at the minute, but I'll soon be looking for 3,000 people to take part in the full research," she said.

Through doctors and other health workers, Miss Hall is able to meet people who have been admitted to hospital due to their asthma.

The next part of the study is to find out if fungal spores in the home cause respiratory problems.

"I've had some troubles with the initial scheme," she explained.

"It's been difficult to recruit people, as quite a few of them don't want us going around their homes for a dust sample.

"The research has also thrown in other factors, such as third generation ethnic minority groups, who have allergies to things like milk."

The research is just one of the studies taking part at the National Pollen Research Unit, which is based at UCW, in Henwick Grove, Worcester.

The unit, which has been in the city since 1994, supplies pollen counts and forecasts to the Meteorological Office.

Scientists there have also joined forces with many other European countries to build a network of pollen units, meaning it is now possible to find out what the pollen forecast is for another country.

"People who know they have an allergy can go to their GP and get treatment, so they can go on holiday prepared," said Dr Jean Emberlin, director of the unit.

Anyone living in Worcester, who wants to take part in Miss Jones's study can call the National Pollen Research Unit, on 01905 855223.