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Health officials have claimed the death of reality television star Jade Goody from cervical cancer has led to an unprecedented demand for smear tests.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) carried out 21,674 tests in 2008/2009 - up 23% on the previous year.

It said there appeared to be a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer until Ms Goody's story was publicised.

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which most women acquire without having any symptoms.

Jade Goody rose to prominence on the reality television show Big Brother.

She died in March last year, at the age of 27, after being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Dr Emilia Crighton, consultant in public health medicine, said: "What we have seen is an unprecedented demand in uptake of smear tests as a result of the media interest in Jade Goody's illness and death from cervical cancer.

"However, we are not complacent, there are still many women who do not take up their invites and I would urge every woman offered the test to make an appointment for their cervical smear test.

"There appeared to be a lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and the purpose of cervical smears until Jade's personal story was publicised. Jade's story showed women that there remains the possibility of developing cervical cancer while comparatively young.

"We want to maintain this awareness and encourage women to continue to take up smear test appointments."

HPV can cause changes which in time can develop into cancer. Women aged between 20 and 60-years-old in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area are invited to have a smear test every three years.

Dr Crighton added: "Regular smear tests can prevent cervical cancer by picking up on changes in cells of the womb that in time can develop into cancer and this is why I urge all women to take respond to appointments for tests.

"Prompt treatment can result in permanent removal of affected areas of the cervix and prevent the development of cancer."