Council bosses have urged residents across Buckinghamshire to have a free health check – which could potentially save their lives.

Residents aged 40 to 74 have been advised to visit their GP for the free screening which can detect a range of life-threatening conditions from heart disease to diabetes.

The health check has been available in Bucks for five years – however in that time only 45 per cent of residents have accepted the invitation.

Cabinet member for community engagement and public health, Noel Brown, said: “The risk of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke increases over the age of 40.

“People can make small changes in lifestyle and really reduce the risk of these illnesses becoming worse later on in life.

“The message is about helping us to help you keep fit and well. Take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check and change your life in 20 minutes."

People will receive letters from their doctor inviting them for the health check, however residents can also approach their surgeries and request an appointment.

Cllr Brown added: “It is great to hear that over 68,000 residents have been for an NHS Health Check, but that only equates to 45% of those invited so there is plenty of room for improvement.

“I want people to view having a Health Check as normal as taking your car for its MOT.

“Recent studies show that people from a South Asian heritage such as Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi, are more likely to suffer from specific health issues so we want to really encourage people from this group to take up the NHS Health Check offer.”

To be eligible for a health check Bucks residents must not already be diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or had a stroke, and not had an NHS health check in the last five years.