BURNHAM-ON-SEA Rotary Club has teamed up with the Stroke Association to help raise awareness of one of the biggest risk factors for stroke - high blood pressure.

The club is inviting residents in the Burnham and Highbridge area to have a free blood pressure test on Saturday, April 27 between 9am and 1pm at the Baptist Church Hall in College Street.

Ashley Edwards, president of Burnham Rotary Club, said: “Know Your Blood Pressure Day on April 27 is all about raising awareness of the link between high blood pressure and stroke.

"Rotary are supporting the Stroke Association with blood pressure events throughout April and the rest of the year.

" Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK, but with events like these, we hope to change this.

"A blood pressure test is quick and painless, and it could save your life.”

The Stroke Association says more than half of all strokes can be caused by high blood pressure and it is estimated that over five million people across the UK don’t realise they have the condition.

Alexis Wieroniey, deputy director for policy and influencing at the Stroke Association, said: “High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and it’s much more common than people think.

"That’s why we’re urging as many Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea area residents as possible to take a moment and have theirs checked at Burnham on Sea Rotary’s event on April 27.

"A blood pressure check only takes a moment, and it’s such a simple way to reduce your risk of a stroke.”

The Stroke Association said they will also be doing more blood pressure checks at community events in the two towns throughout the year.

For details visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp.