HIV cases are rising

Around 130 people in the Channel Islands are living with HIV

And it's reckoned that dozens more have the illness, but have not been diagnosed.

Local World AIDS Day initiatives have been driving home awareness of the disease.

In Jersey, more than 50 Jersey College for Girls students were in St Helier, collecting cash for AIDS charity Acet. They were also handing out balloons and ribbons to raise awareness of the virus.

There are around 30 diagnosed cases in Guernsey, but more in Jersey.

Modern drug treatments can prevent HIV from becoming full-blown AIDS. Counselling and support is available from ACET.

The key messages for World AIDS Day are take steps to avoid the virus; get yourself checked if you fear you may have contracted HIV and be assured that modern drug therapies can help infected people have long and fulfilling lives.