Last week, residents of Ilkley had access to free checks for diabetes. Next weekend they will be offered free walk in Blood Pressure checks.

Philip Chinque, of the Rotary Club of Ilkley, said, "Doctors, nurses and health professionals will be available on Saturday, April 3, in the Ilkley area to offer people an opportunity to have their blood pressure checked free of charge.

"This is a community service by the Rotary Club of Ilkley working in conjunction with Round Table. Similar health checks are being held all over Yorkshire and about 8,000 people are expected to have their blood pressure checked."

Campaign co-ordinator and District Chairman of Rotary Community and Vocational Services Committee, John Philip, who is a recently retired Hospital Consultant, said, "Raised blood pressure is a serious threat to health. But in most cases it produces no symptoms that people are aware of."

He added: "We want to raise awareness about the risk of raised blood pressure and encourage people to adopt a life style which helps maintain a healthy level of blood pressure and reduces risks of a stroke.

"I took on this exciting new project a year ago because it has the potential of saving lives and strengthening Rotary's links with the community.

"Over 60 Clubs in the Yorkshire area have enrolled voluntary health professionals to undertake the task of checking blood pressures."

Walk-in arrangements will be offered between 10.00am and 4pm at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley.

However, in order to bring the facility to as many people as possible ,the Rotary Club of Ilkley has also arranged to offer readings at Addingham Memorial Hall between 10am and noon and at Burley Parish Rooms, Station Road from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Mr Chinque said: "The Rotary Club of Ilkley supports this project for the residents in and around Ilkley. But it would not have been possible without the willingness of other volunteers including especially the health professionals who are making themselves available".

Yves Dereix, local Chartered Physiotherapist and a member of the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale was the first to offer his help at Ilkley.

He will be accompanied by Dr Samptaney, also from Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club, and a Consultant with the Airedale General Hospital and Yorkshire Clinic.

Dr Samptaney is organising a team of other doctors and nurses to ensure through the day cover at Christchurch.

Dr. John Rees of the Ilkley Chiropractic Clinic will provide blood pressure readings at Burley in Wharfedale and Ms Jo Woodsworth will ensure that the residents at Addingham will have the same opportunity.

Philip Chinque said, "There has been a lot of local goodwill to make this happen. The session times at Addingham and Burley are limited, but we would be happy to extend the opening times if other qualified health professionals come forward to assist."