A BOLTON health and fitness guru is urging the town's residents to turn to exercise in a bid to reduce blood pressure.

Bolton has one of the worst track records in Britain of people suffering strokes.

As a result locals are being urged to watch their blood pressure, a cause of heart attacks and strokes.

David Hammond is health and fitness manager of Bolton's David Lloyd centre.

He said: "Blood pressure is one of the basic ways of measuring the state of our health.

"Essentially, it's a measure of the pressure on the artery walls as the blood flows through the body.

"And one of the best ways of lowering blood pressure and pulse rates is with regular cardiovascular exercise.

"Both running and cycling, for instance, make the heart muscles more efficient.

"This helps to reduce the build up of substances inside the arteries, allowing the blood to flow more easily.

"Exercise will also reduce body fat levels and can increase lean tissue."

But Mr Hammond warns that those who want to take to exercise must get the go-ahead from their doctor.

A gradual approach to exercise is always recommended.

And he added that people must also remember to check their heart rate zone before starting any type of exercise programme.