A ROTARY Club is hoping to save lives at a free event next week.

The Wantage branch is running another 'Know Your Blood Pressure' event on Saturday, April 6, in an attempt to raise awareness in the local community.

The club says the checks are 'quick, painless and free, and it could save your life'.

Supporting the Stroke Association, it will hold the three-hour event at Sainsbury’s Supermarket in Limborough Road, from 9am until midday.

Everyone will be invited to have a simple check on their blood pressure, which will be carried out by a qualified nurse.

The club's Bill Roycroft explained: "We always find people who are at serious risk, so (we hope to) be instrumental in saving lives here.

"Each time we hold this event, we find several people who have dangerously raised blood pressure, but who have been completely unaware of this. We explain the reasons for concern to them, and suggest that they contact their doctor for a further check."

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke by damaging and weakening blood vessels in the brain, causing them to narrow, rupture or leak. High blood pressure can also cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to your brain, blocking blood flow and potentially causing a stroke.