IT involves a quick finger prick test and takes a couple of minutes - but The BIG Bolton Health Check could save your life.

Over the next 10 months, staff from Bolton's Primary Care Trust aim to test 46,000 people over the age of 45 to determine their risk of developing heart disease.

The test is simple, quick and painless.

It includes a blood pressure assessment, a cholesterol check, which involves blood being taken, either from a vein or from a finger prick test, and a few simple questions about lifestyle.

The only other information needed is the person's name and age.

Dr Stephen Liversedge from Bolton Primary Care Trust said: "This is a very simple test that could literally save your life.

"The majority of people will be reassured and will discover they are at a low risk of developing heart disease.But for those who are at a high risk then there are many things that can be done to reduce that risk."

If, following the assessments, people are told they are at a high risk of developing heart disease in the next 10 years, there are a number of options that can be implemented to dramatically cut the chances of becoming ill.

Simple lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating more healthily and giving up smoking, can all help reduce the risk and if these are unsuccessful there is a range of medication, such as statins to reduce cholesterol or aspirin to help with blood pressure, which can be prescribed.

The BIG Bolton Health Check will be carried out by GPs, health trainers, practice nurses, district nurses and a range of other health professionals, at a variety of locations.