HUNDREDS of people flocked to Bolton's Victoria Square as The BIG Bolton Health Check was launched.

Health staff yesterday tested 580 people as the campaign to dramatically reduce heart attacks and disease in Bolton was kicked off.

Almost 200 people queued outside a marquee in front of Bolton Town Hall to have the simple, 10-minute assessment.

Thirty health advisers worked between 11am and 6pm to carry out as many checks as possible.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, a leading Bolton GP who is spearheading The BIG Bolton Health Check campaign, said: "The launch has exceeded my expectations and I'm overwhelmed by the number of people who came along.

"Heart disease is the number one cause of premature death in Bolton and that is why these checks are so important."

MPs, community leaders, councillors and public figures were among the first people to be tested.Health bosses will test 46,000 people aged 45 and over between now and the end of next March.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West, had her health check - even though she is only aged 40 - to highlight its importance.

She said: "I've enjoyed taking part and I want to use this opportunity to encourage everyone to get involved.

"This is a fantastic initiative and nowhere else in the country is offering this service."

Bolton Council leader Cllr Cliff Morris, aged 66, had the test and was told he was at low risk of developing heart disease.

He said: "We want to do all we can to narrow the gap in life-expectancy so it's important that everyone gets involved."

Cllr Roger Hayes, leader of the Lib Dems at the council, who was also at low risk, said: "The difference between the more affluent parts of the borough and those in the less well-off areas is huge.

"Something needs to be done about that. This is why The BIG Bolton Health Check is so important."

Conservative group leader Cllr John Walsh was found to be at risk of developing heart disease and has vowed to change his lifestyle to make a difference.

He said: "I'll be doing more exercise and eating more healthily.

"It's important to know you have a problem, so you can do something about it."

Jimmy Phillips, the former Bolton Wanderers defender and current first team coach, also had the health check to support the campaign.

The 42-year-old was given a clean bill of health. He said: "Football clubs are now more interested in preventing injuries rather than curing them. This health campaign is similar - prevention is always better than cure."

Some people queued outside the marquee for more than 30 minutes to have the health check.

Gerald de Lacy, aged 65, from Blackrod, was in the healthy weight range. He said: "I'm relieved that I'm healthy but it's very important that people find out about their health."

Husband and wife Arthur and Maureen Lee, both aged 68, from Little Lever, were found to be at a high risk of developing heart disease in the next decade.

Mr Lee said: "It wasn't good news but I'm really glad I came today and found out because now I can do something about it."

l The BIG Bolton Health Check will run for the next 10 months. Health trainers will be visiting communities across Bolton to carry out more assessments.

In addition to doctors' surgeries, health checks will be carried out in venues including supermarkets, barbers' shops, bookmakers and pubs.