PEOPLE across East Lancashire are being urged get checked out next week as part of a campaign to highlight the risks of high blood pressure.

They can go to any of 27 specially set up points and have their blood pressure tested free of charge by a qualified nurse.

It is part of the national Know Your Numbers campaign running from September 16 to 21, aimed at getting people to recognise blood pressure problems and get treatment.

For the first time this year, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley primary care trusts are supporting the day.

The condition affects ten million people in the UK and is a big cause of heart attacks and strokes. East Lancashire is among the worst areas in the country for heart disease mainly because of social deprivation.

A spokeswoman for the trusts said: "We are encouraging everyone to find out what their blood pressure levels are. Last year, more than 20,000 people had their blood pressure checked during the first ever national blood pressure testing event.

"High blood pressure is the major cause of strokes and heart failure and one of three major factors in causing heart attacks. More than a third of the adult population in the UK have high blood pressure, a level of 140/90 or greater, but less than half are diagnosed."

The event is being coordinated by the Blood Pressure Association. Executive Director Nickie Roberts said: "Often the first time people find out they have high blood pressure is when they discover they have a heart condition or have a stroke. We urge people to take this opportunity to find out what their blood pressure is and what it should be. It won't take long, it doesn't hurt and it could save your life."

Where to get your numbers

ACCRINGTON:Asda, Wednesday 10am to 3pm.

BURNLEY:Burnley General Hospital (outside hospital restaurant), Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 1.30pm.

Asda, Tuesday 10am to 5pm.

BLACKBURN:Queen's Park Hospital (near Granary restaurant): Tuesday and Wednesday noon to 2pm.

King George's Hall: Monday 4.30pm to 6pm. Wednesday 9am to 11.30am. Audley Sports and Community Centre: Tuesday 10am to 1pm.

Lloyds Pharmacy: Monday to Friday, 11am to 5pm, Saturday - 11am to 1pm.

Johnston Pharmacy, Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Ewood Medical Centre: Tuesday 9.30am to 10.30am. Livesey Clinic: Tuesday 9.30am to 10.30am.

Larkhill Health Centre: Tuesday 10am to 3pm.

Bentham Road Health Centre, Mill Hill: Monday 9am to 11am, Tuesday 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Friday 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Little Harwood Health Centre: Friday 9.30am to 11.30am.

Dr RS Roo surgery, Lincoln Close: Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm.

CLAYTON-LE-MOORS: Red Rose Court, Clayton Business Park: Monday noon to 2pm.

CLITHEROE: Booths supermarket: Tuesday, 10am to 3pm.

COLNE: Asda: Wednesday 10am to 5pm.

DARWEN: Darwen Leisure Centre: Tuesday 11am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm. Wednesday 11am to 12.30pm and 5pm to 7pm. Friday: 1pm to 3pm.

Montague Health Centre: Wednesday 9.30am to 11am. Sainsbury's: Monday, 10am to noon. Darwen Health Centre: Wednesday 9.30am to 11.30am, Friday 9.30am to 11am.

GREAT HARWOOD: EB Holden, Queen's Street: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2pm to 4pm.

NELSON: IM Hudson Dispensing Chemists, Barkerhouse Road: Monday and Thursday, 9am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, Tuesday 9am to 12.30pm, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Nelson Health Centre: Wednesday 10am to 4pm.

PADIHAM: Padiham Methodist Church, to be confirmed.

RAWTENSTALL: Asda: Wednesday 10am to 5pm.

WATERFOOT: Waterfoot Health Centre: Thursday 10am to 4pm.