STROKE patients from across East Lancashire have taken part in landmark research which could save thousands of lives.

Patients from Blackburn and Accrington were among 6,000 patients worldwide and 720 in the UK who took part in the Progress study over the past five years, which looked at managing strokes.

The results, published this week, which they helped to put together showed a 28 per cent cut in the risk of further strokes for patients, which often leave patients with more long-lasting after-effects.

Using the drug perindopril, or the drug combined with a blood pressure treatment, doctors also found one in 11 people on the study avoided a further stroke, heart attack or death.

Dr Ahmed Shihadah, staff grade physician at Queen's Park Hospital in Blackburn in the department of general medicine and elderly medicine, said the exciting research was prestigious for the area.

"These results are a landmark in the treatment of strokes and stroke management. It is very important to the Blackburn area. It puts Blackburn Royal Infirmary and Queen's Park Hospital on the map of the world. We are not just listening to what the others are doing, we are also participating."

Dr Shihadah said: "The results are quite interesting as they reduce the incidence of second strokes by more than a quarter, which I think is a great thing and has never been done before."

The pioneering study also looked at patients with normal blood pressure, compared with past studies which had centred on those with high blood pressure -- often most at risk from strokes. The results, published in The Lancet, could help to prevent 13,000 strokes each year or 40 strokes a day and 4,000 deaths a year.

Dr Shihadah said it was important to cut down on strokes not just for health reasons but because each stroke patient had an effect on their families and society, as they needed more care and support.

He said: "People think that strokes are mainly for older people, but you can be as young as in your 20s. As the population is getting older, though, it is more important we know how to prevent strokes so that patients don't become a burden on society. Strokes are society's problem, not an individual's problem."

He added that he wanted to thank everyone involved in the study, from staff to patients.

John Garratty, 71, from Accrington, was one of the patients who took part, after suffering a minor stroke six years ago. "I was in a dance class and I started to have a funny sensation in my arms; they went all floppy. It was frightening really, but I didn't realise what it was at the time."

John was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, and briefly lost his speech, but was sent home and made a near full recovery within days. Although he had a second minor stroke two years ago, it was caused by a blockage in an artery in his neck and so did not come under the study.

Taking part in the research meant regular trips to clinics and adding the drug to his regular medication.

"I was approached to take part in the study and thought anything that can help me or help other people to deal with strokes has got to be a good thing. I didn't worry about taking a new drug," he said. "Five years is a long time to take something on. But I'm really pleased I took part, and think it was a real achievement."