THE health service in Waltham Forest took part in the biggest blood pressure testing event in the UK.

Events hosted by NHS Waltham Forest took place across the borough during Know Your Numbers week, encouraging residents to have their blood pressure checked.

Testing services were offered in libraries and supermarkets at 'pressure stations' run by charity the Blood Pressure Assocation.

A total of 385 people were tested, 120 were referred to their GP with high blood pressure and 32 were also persuaded to sign up to the Stop Smoking service.

As many as one in three people are thought to suffer from high blood pressure in the UK and a third of those with the condition do not know they have it.

Untreated, it can lead to heart attacks and strokes, but once detected, it can be easily managed.

Know Your Numbers week took place between September 7 and 13, with 1,500 pressure stations across the UK.