STAFF from a local NHS trust will be swapping their uniforms for tracksuits to increase awareness about vascular disease.

The five-mile Walk To Improve Circulation has been organised by Blackburn, Hyndburn, and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust.

Vascular disease affects the major blood vessels in the body and can be caused from smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Margaret Eastham, Health Promoting Hospitals manager, said: "As a hospital which treats many people with vascular disease, all efforts to raise awareness and reduce the need for medical interventions are extremely important.

"So we hope people will use this opportunity to improve health."

Rob Salaman, a vascular surgeon, said: "One in ten people have some degree of peripheral vascular disease.

"If treated early by changing lifestyle and risk factors then a lot of the life and limb threatening surgery I have to perform could be avoided."

The walk starts at 10am at Well Springs Inn at Sabden on September 8. Everyone is welcome, although the paths are not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.