Free blood pressure testing will be available for residents in High Wycombe this weekend.

The testing will be carried out by the Red Cross on behalf of the Stroke Association and the Rotary Club of High Wycombe on Saturday.

All Saints Parish Church, in Castle Street, will open its doors for the event from 10.30am to 3pm.

High blood pressure contributes to more than half of strokes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Know Your Blood Pressure day on Saturday is designed to raise awareness of the link between high blood pressure and strokes.

Residents in High Wycombe can get their blood pressure checked and receive information and advice on steps to keep it under control.

Les Hubbard, representative from the Rotary Club of High Wycombe, said: “The ideal blood pressure is 120/80 but we know a significant number of people have readings above that and a quarter have dangerously high blood pressure with readings over 140/90.

“These events can play a big role in reducing strokes across the country. It’s clear from our work that high blood pressure is far more common than you would think.”

In addition to the events taking place on Saturday, there will be blood pressure checks at community events throughout the year.

To find your nearest blood pressure event, visit www.stroke.org.uk/kybp