SHOPPERS calling in at the Co-op in Old Town got something extra with their groceries on Saturday.

Volunteers from Rotary Swindon were on hand throughout the morning to offer free blood pressure tests as part of an event to raise awareness about strokes.

Many people will have seen the FAST campaign on the tv in the past year, encouraging people to look out for an be aware of the visible signs of a stroke, but a new campaign is focusing on another possible warning sign.

High or low blood pressure can be a sign of a number of different health conditions, including strokes. Knowing your blood pressure can help with deciding to take early and decisive steps to fend off illness.

Denise Rogers, who organised the Old Town event on behalf of Rotary Swindon, said: "We have been busy for the majority of the morning and we have taken more than 60 people's blood pressure - men and women of all ages, young and old.

"I think there have definitely been some wake up calls for a few people. Even my blood pressure came up as high which I wasn't expecting."

Rotary clubs across the UK were taking part in 'know your blood pressure' events in partnership with the Stroke Association.

The Swindon-based club, which meets at the Kings Arms every Thursday lunchtime, has five people who have been trained to take blood pressure readings.

On Saturday, they were ably assisted by 10 people taking down other details.

Among the shoppers were some more recognisable personalities - South Swindon MP Robert Buckland took a break from General Election campaigning to stop off and have his blood pressure checked by the Rotary team.

"There are lots of these events going on," said Denise. "It's just about making sure you know what to look out for.

"We all go to the dentist and get our eyes checked, but how many people think to have their blood pressure tested?

"It has been a success, we must also thank to manager and staff at Co-op who have been so supportive of us too."