BLOOD pressure figures rocketed in response to a call to help create a new Guinness world record.

Over 800 people from the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley areas took free life-saving tests at Rotary International's check day in support of The Stroke Association.

The examinations paid off for some volunteers who after undergoing screening were referred to their doctors - one at Tyldesley just 17 years old.

At the town's Top Chapel where 225 people were tested the branch's Rotary Club chairman and stroke victim John Leech inspired visitors and praised the scheme.

Club secretary Hugh Morgan-Jones said: "There was an obvious need for the event because 18 people, one as young as 17, were asked to visit their GP. As a consequence many strokes and the attendant outcomes could have been prevented.

"Most of the "patients" were mature adults but it was good to see so many young people who were in the main curious, but cognisant of the concerns we placed on their future. Our youngest visitors were 10 and the oldest over 70.

"The doctor and his team of nurses did an excellent job issuing all participants with a documentary record of the test and advice where necessary."

Two hundred and twenty five people were tested in Leigh, 163 in Atherton and 187 in Ashton.

The Stroke Association said they were delighted with the response and a Guinness Book of Records bid would be made for the number of blood pressure readings taken on one day.

A spokesperson said: 'We hope it will become a regular event. One hundred and twenty five thousand people were tested throughout the country and as a result we believe lives will have been saved."