PICKERING Rotary Club and the town’s medical practice joined forces to give free blood pressure checks.

About 50 people made use of the service, led by Dr James Coppack. This is the 11th year of Rotary and the Stroke Association working together. It is estimated in the past 10 years, about 230,000 blood pressure checks have been taken with 25,000 people referred to their GP.

Peter Woodall, from Pickering Rotary, said: “These events have without doubt saved thousands of people from having a stroke.”

Dr Coppack said: “High blood pressure rarely has any symptoms. Any scheme picking up high blood pressure is to be applauded and supported.”

A collection on the day raised £225 for Rotary charities.

Helmsley and District Rotary Club also hosted a blood pressure testing event, at the Feathers Hotel, Helmsley.

Rotarian Karen Moody, assisted by six other members, took more than 30 blood pressure readings. She said: “Raising awareness on how to prevent a stroke was the key message today.”