The film is part of the NHS campaign ‘Get Tested. Get Treated', which is seeking to raise awareness of the disease. Many rock stars, including Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Clash drummer Topper Headon, have been infected with hepatitis C.

The animated short is being used to encourage people to think about whether they might have ever been at risk of catching hepatitis C and if so to get tested and treated.

Dr Kosh Argawal, consultant hepatologist at King's College Hospital, London, believes the film ‘says it all'. ‘If you've ever put yourself at risk of the virus, by injecting drugs or getting a tattoo abroad for instance, you may have hepatitis C and not know it', he said. ‘The good news is that hepatitis C can be treated, so get tested and get treated.'

Further information on hepatitis C is available from www.nhs.uk/hepc. Paitnets wanting confidential information and advice should call the Hepatitis C Information Line on 0800 181 4114. The information line is open from 7am-11pm, 7 days a week.