TEDDY bears are invited to have their health checked over —while their owners find out how much fun staying fit can be.

The seventh Health Mela rolls into town in March to promote health and wellbeing in the Bolton area and beyond. It will give families a chance to get up to speed with a wide range of health-related topics in a fun and informal atmosphere.

A highlight this year will be a Teddy Bear Clinic to give children a chance to have their favourite friend checked over.

The event is organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing — a charity based in the Centre for Research into Health and Wellbeing at the University of Bolton — in partnership with the University of Bolton and the Rotary Clubs of Bolton.

Derek Ormerod from the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing said: "Visitors will find a store of information, entertainment, activities, competitions, health checks and advice on offer. There will be something to appeal to all ages and what’s more it’s all free, even down to the use of the University and Deane Road NCP car parks!

"Visitors to the Chancellor’s Mall and Social Learning Centre in University Way on March 12 will discover more than 50 stalls, representing a comprehensive range of NHS, Local Government and Voluntary organisations, packed with information and advice on how to keep healthy or to deal with existing health issues."

Other attractions on the day will include dance displays, smoothie bike, children's competition, displays and taster sessions in complementary medicine including Reiki, head massage and more.

Also returning this year will be the popular Health MOT which offers all visitors the opportunity to take a range of personal health checks which can include; height and weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

eye-sight, hearing and oral health.

Mr Ormerod said: "The checks, by health professionals, take place in an informal friendly atmosphere and include personally tailored expert life-style counselling."

The Mela day starts at 9.30 am with a Breakfast Meeting for invited guests on the theme, "Inspiring Health and Wellbeing in the Community".

The event will be formally opened to the public at 11 am by Tony Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner and Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester and go on until 4pm.

Although stall bookings are almost full, any organisation wishing to take part should contact Bethan Atkins (ba1@bolton.ac.uk) immediately.