AN EVENT held in Kidderminster could have helped ward off potential future heart problems for people who took part.

The event, organised by the Kidderminster Rotary Club, was held in the town centre as part of the recent Blood Pressure Awareness Week.

Forty people, including the Mayor of Kidderminster Helen Dyke, volunteered to have their blood pressure taken. Nurse Sam Mathews conducted the tests.

Mervyn Silcox, the event's organiser, said: "Three of the 40 people who took part virtually had their lives saved by it. They didn't know they had high blood pressure and were then referred to their doctors."

He added: "It has been a good exercise of course, because high blood pressure can cause a stroke."

The Rotary Club organised the event after consulting the Stroke Association of England.

Mr Silcox added: "We are holding events all the time. We aim to do any type of event which will help the community."

The Rotary Club International celebrates its centenary next February.