People living in Swindon, Wiltshire or Bath and north east Somerset are being offered a free blood pressure check.

A series of events have been organised as part of Know Your Numbers week, starting at the Somerset and Dorset Railway in Midsomer Norton on September 1.

Qualified clinicians will be present between 10.30am and 2.30pm to provide checks to visitors.

There will also be events at Bath Rugby’s pre-season friendly against Ealing Trailfinders at the Rec on September 7, at the Alice Park Youth Music Festival on September 8 and at Bath City’s match against Enfield Town at Twerton Park on September 21.

The initiative, led by Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB), aims to help prevent ill-health caused by high blood pressure, a condition which typically does not present any symptoms.

Chief nurse at BSW ICB, Gill May, said: "High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all strokes and heart attacks and preventing it is a key priority for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board.

"Many adults living with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed.

"Without detection and appropriate intervention, it can increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.

“Getting out and about in our local community will allow us to raise awareness of this hidden killer, help to prevent heart attacks and strokes and, ultimately, improve the health of our local population.”

Six million people in the UK have high blood pressure but do not know, and every day, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented.

The only way for people to find out if their blood pressure is high is to have it checked.

The pop-up events will help to reach people who are unaware they have high blood pressure and guide them towards the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.

Stephen Lacey, chairman of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton Station, said: "We’re thrilled to be part of this brilliant initiative offering our community a chance to have their blood pressure checked while exploring our heritage railway and museum.

"We know that the health of local people and our dedicated volunteers is important, so it's great to be able to help out by hosting these pop-up checks."