THEY are not words you will hear very often - but a pint could save your life.

For pub landlord, Ian Moss, of The Saddle in Farnworth, has pledged his support to The BIG Bolton Health Check He is the first person to allow his pub to be used as one of the testing sites for the life-saving campaign.

The 38-year-old knows the importance of good heart health after undergoing surgery five years ago.

Mr Moss, who has been at the King Street pub for the last eight years, underwent a heart valve replacement operation in 2003.

His own had become narrow due to a medical problem and were dangerously restricting blood flow to his heart.

Mr Moss, a father-of-two, said: "It really did affect my life because I used to play a lot of sport but when I was ill I was forced to stop. It had a massive impact on me so I know just how important it is for people to look after their hearts.

"This is a great campaign and people have nothing to lose. I would encourage all my regulars to make sure they have their BIG Bolton Health Check. It could easily save their life."

Health trainers will be visiting the pub at regular intervals over the next 10 months to offer the simple test to any drinkers - and Mr Moss, who is married to Joanne and has two daughters, Linzi, aged 11, and 14-year-old Leanne, will be on hand to give encouragement.

He said: "We're a real community pub and we get people of all ages drinking in here, from 18 to people in their seventies.

"I've already spoken to a lot of the customers and they're all keen to be tested and I'll keep telling people what it's all about. Anything people can do to make themselves healthier can only be a good thing."

Other locations where the checks will be carried out include supermarkets, DIY store, bingo halls, churches, mosques, barbers and community centres.