LEIGH folk -- among the most likely to die from a heart attack in the country -- are being asked to take part in a heart study.

The British Heart Foundation is spearheading a scheme to discover the rogue human genes which may contribute to coronary heart disease.

People in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley along with the rest of the Wigan borough have above average deaths from coronary heart disease (CHC).

The level of deaths from CHC in men under 75 is 191 per 100,000 in Wigan -- nearly a third higher than the average for England of 150 per 100,000.

In women the figure is 79 per 100,000 compared to 54 per 100,000 -- nearly 50 percent higher. The British Heart Foundation, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is seeking 2,000 families from across the UK who have a history of hereditary heart disease and who are prepared to give a small sample of blood for the project.

A DNA library is to be set up to enable doctors to pinpoint possible problem genes. The researchers hope that a clearer understanding of the genetic factors of heart disease will help to eradicate the condition in future.

For more information contact the Family Heart Study on 0800 052 7154. For a heart health pack, containing information on heart disease, call 0870 9090111.