A home testing kit is being developed which could diagnose the most common sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs)

Consultant Martin Fisher is developing specialist kits that could be used to diagnose gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

Dr Fisher, who is based at the Elton John Centre at Brighton General Hospital, said: "Many sexual health clinics around the country are working to capacity.

"Rather than just offering more clinic sessions, it is important we offer our patients an alternative way of being diagnosed.

"If developed and introduced in a responsible manner, a home-testing kit could offer patients an alternative to attending a clinic which some people find very intimidating."

Dr Fisher will be among the speakers at a conference to be held at Brighton and Sussex Medical School on Wednesday.