SEVERAL people were advised to see their GP immediately after a free blood pressure monitoring session was held in Bourton at the weekend.

North Cotswold Rotary Club had organised the testing sessions on the green in conjunction with the Stroke Association which saw 115 drop by to have their health check.

While 18 people were advised to get further health checks within a month, several were deemed much more urgent.

People with concerns were also given leaflets provided by The Stroke Association, and these explained not only the risk factors – such as high blood pressure, lack of exercise and poor diet – but also how to lower such risks and how to recognise the signs of a stroke if one occurs.

“North Cotswolds Rotary Club completed a very worthwhile day's service in our local community,” said organizer Ernie Rumsey. “We received lots of positive feedback about Rotary during the day, so the whole exercise has been a useful service for our local community.”

Rotarian Bob Cross, a retired anaesthetist, added: “Many of those with concerns will already be known to their local GPs who regularly check blood pressures, but the exercise served as a useful reminder to people of the risk factors for a stroke and practical steps they can take to reduce those risks. And for some, the advice given might make a real difference, especially if they were not aware that they were at risk.”

Rotarian Will Malings said that clubs members who had assisted during the day enjoyed talking to members of the public about the purpose of the day, and all had found the exercise very worthwhile. “The most difficult task was putting up the Shelterbox tent, but it was all part of the fun," he said.