THE three Rotary Clubs of York are organising free blood pressure checks across the city tomorrow to help reduce residents' risks of suffering a stroke.

Rotary International says high blood pressure is the largest preventable cause of a stroke, and tackling it can help reduce the likelihood of a stroke.

"It is estimated that some four out of ten deaths could have been prevented."

Nurses will take free pressure checks at Sainsbury's Monks Cross store, Tesco, at Clifton Moor, and in Parliament Street, between 10a.m. and 4pm.

"Not only will we save lives, but we will also be preventing life- changing disability in a number of men and women," said a joint statement from George Barton, President of Rotary Club of York Vikings, Alan Stow, President of Rotary Club of York Ainsty and Frank Paterson, President of Rotary Club of York.

Information on reducing high blood pressure will also be available.

Updated: 09:08 Friday, April 04, 2003