HEALTH campaigners are offering a day of blood pressure checks to combat the biggest cause of strokes.

As part of Action on Stroke Month, Stroke Association staff will be offering checks and stroke information, at an event in Accrington.

Participants will be able to take away information leaflets, and join in activities to demonstrate the difficulties stroke survivors can be faced with, and enter a raffle.

The association say 40 per cent of strokes affecting both genders could be prevented with simple lifestyle changes.

Stroke Association’s Andrea Walsh, says: “Thousands of people are completely unaware of their own blood pressure levels, and a lot of people we test are shocked to hear their blood pressure is high. It’s a quick, free and painless way to find out your own risk.

“We will be handing out information to raise awareness of the symptoms, causes and risk factors of stroke. We are also letting people know about local services for stroke survivors to access in the area.”

The event on Friday May 25 is between 9.30pm and 3pm, in the entertainment area of Accrington Market Hall.

For more information, or to make a donation to the raffle, contact Andrea Walsh on 01282 693333.