LOCAL health chiefs are throwing their weight behind the nationwide Know Your Numbers campaign.

The aim is to drive home the message that everyone should know their blood pressure numbers.

As part of the campaign, the Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust is giving free blood pressure checks on Saturday, from 10am to 2pm, at Bedale Hall, in Bedale.

Health visitor Kathryn Stabler said: "High blood pressure is serious - it causes half of all stroke and heart disease in the UK - but it can be treated effectively."

District nurse Lizzie Nee said: "We want to spread the message that every adult should not only know their up-to-date blood pressure, but also what they can do to keep it healthy."