THE results from a roadshow which visited Basingstoke in June show that more than half of the residents tested had cholesterol above the recommended levels and more than a third had high blood pressure.

The "Testing the Nation's Hearts" roadshow, which was run by Flora pro.activ, gave free blood pressure and cholesterol tests to 1,121 residents, mostly over the age of 40.

The findings revealed that, of those tested, 54 per cent had cholesterol above the recommended levels and 34 per cent had high blood pressure.

The results also showed that men had higher blood pressure than women but lower cholesterol levels.

Basingstoke's recruitment workers had the highest cholesterol out of all occupations tested and were most likely to have raised blood pressure, according to the research, while those in professions of building or construction had the healthiest cholesterol levels.

Radio DJ Neil Fox, of Magic FM, who attended the Basingstoke roadshow, said: "I really want to make sure I'm as fit and healthy as possible as I get older, so I can continue to look after my entire family.

"Keeping an eye on my blood pressure and cholesterol levels is all part of that and I believe it's really important that we, as a nation, start taking responsibility for our own heart health - it's down to us.

"Turnout for the roadshow in Basingstoke was fantastic.

"Hopefully, we helped educate and inform the town as to why looking after your heart health is so important."