NHS Health is offering a free MOT Health Check service to residents who are aged between 40 and 74, in a bid to help people to enjoy life for longer.

Cllr Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee, said: “This is the season of making resolutions.

"And I, like many residents, will be thinking about my health and what changes I can make to help me live well for longer.

"Even if you feel great like me, being over forty means your health risks are higher.

"Knowing what those risks are means you can make changes to your lifestyle to delay or avoid the onset of these diseases.”

The NHS Health Check service is a health check-up for adults in England that has been designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

In the last six months of 2019, around 5662 residents were invited by their GP - by letter, text and phone to have a health check.

However, only 47 per cent (2669) residents took up the offer.

To be eligible for a free NHS Health Check, you must be a Richmond resident or registered to a GP in the borough, have not been previously diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or stroke and do not take statins.

Cllr Piers Allen added: “My New Year message to all residents is to take greater responsibility for your health.

"There is lots of support available to help make live changes, and a health check is a good first step.

"Eligible residents may receive a Health Check invitation from their GP.

"They can also contact their GP to find out when their Health Check is due.”

Visit the Richmond Council website or contact your GP for more information and to check your eligibility

Health checks are also offered at C Goode Pharmacy on King Street in Twickenham and at Kanset Pharmacy on Ashburnham Road in Richmond.