PEOPLE of all ages are being encouraged to find out their most vital statistic - their blood pressure.

The Blood Pressure Association is running its fourth annual blood pressure testing week from Monday, September 13, throughout health centres, supermarkets, pharmacies and health clubs in Bolton.

Nurses, doctors and pharmacies will be carrying out the testing to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle.

Pressure stations where anyone can go for their free check will be set up in Bolton at locations still to be finalised.

One in three people in the UK has high blood pressure but a third do not even know it. Half of all strokes and heart attacks are caused by high blood pressure.

Professor Graham MacGregor, chairman of the association said: "Everyone should know their blood pressure just as they would their height and weight. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. If it is high it can be treated and if it is healthy there are smiple steps that everyone can take to keep it that way."

To find out more about the campaign, log on to www.bpassoc.org.uk