A NEWTON Abbot-based charity is putting out a call to local men and their families to get involved in a series of events aimed at raising awareness of male cancers.

Wellbeing in Action is taking its message ‘Below the Belt’ this September, with two very different events designed to get men talking about cancer, recognising the warning signs and supporting those going through diagnosis and treatment.

The charity’s first event, ‘Below the Belt - Live Sofa Conversations’, promises an evening of frank and open discussion, rather than a traditional health lecture.

From 7pm on Thursday, September 10, at the River End Community Space at The Maltings, men who have experienced cancer will join knowledgeable guests on the sofa to share their experiences and talk openly about the cancers that affect men.

Organisers hope the event will give men the confidence to recognise changes in their bodies, know when to seek medical advice and understand why detecting cancer early can make such a difference.

Then comes The Cheeky Walk – a sponsored fundraising challenge with a distinctly unusual dress code.

Participants are being asked to put on their finest, funniest or most outrageous underwear and walk the Templar Way from the River End Community Space to Bovey Tracey FC.

And there is no need to worry about walking the route in your underwear – the charity says pants can be worn over shorts or trousers.

While the event, which takes place at 1pm on Sunday, September 20, is intended to be fun, there is a serious purpose behind it.

Money raised will help support local people going through cancer diagnosis and treatment, while the walk will also show solidarity with men currently facing cancer.

Wellbeing in Action is encouraging men and boys of all ages to take part, alongside friends and family.