PEOPLE in Stockton and Middlesbrough are being given the opportunity to have a free blood pressure check at a number of venues.

Employees of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council are also being offered the chance of a free check next week.

The Blood Pressure Association's Know Your Numbers Week is the nation's biggest annual blood pressure testing and awareness event.

Professor Peter Kelly, executive director of public health on Teesside, said: "High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, which is why many people do not know they have it. The only way you will know if you may have high blood pressure is to have it measured, and now is an ideal opportunity."

Teams of professionals, including health visitors, school nurses and practice nurses, will be carrying out the checks from Monday to Sunday as follows:

In Stockton - on Monday, between 8.30am and 11am, at the Build Centre, Riverside Road; on Tuesday, between 10am and 3pm, at Wickes Building Supplies, Lustrum Avenue; on Wednesday, between 10am and 3pm, at North Tees Hospital's main entrance; on Thursday, between 10am and 3pm, at Asda, Thornaby; on Friday, between 12.30pm and 3pm, at The Arc; on Saturday, between 10am and 3pm, in Boots the Chemist, High Street.

In Middlesbrough - on Tuesday, from 10am to 3pm, St Timothy's Church Hall, Hemlington; on Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm, Golden Boy Green, South Bank; on Thursday, between 10am and 3pm, at the Neptune Centre, Berwick Hills; on Friday, between noon and 2.30pm, at the Jamia Mosque, Waterloo Road; and on Sunday, between 9am and 1pm, at the 10K Fun Run, Hall Garth School.