Watford FC has teamed up with the NHS to help fans detect hidden high blood pressure.

The club's Community Sports and Education Trust hosted a 'Hornets Together' event at Vicarage Road on Monday, offering free blood pressure checks to fans.

The initiative, supported by nearby GP practices and the Integrated Care Board (ICB), aims to improve the mental and physical health of football fans.

Attendees were able to have a health check, speak with doctors and healthcare staff, and receive advice on staying active.

They were also given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.

Dr Corina Ciobanu: 'Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and could save your life'Dr Corina Ciobanu: 'Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and could save your life' (Image: Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB) Dr Corina Ciobanu, a GP in Kings Langley and the ICB’s clinical lead for heart disease, said: "Football brings people together, and we’re grateful to Watford Football Club’s Community Trust for helping us to reach out to their supporters with an important health message.

"It was great to meet so many people on Monday evening who wanted to kick off their journey to better health by ‘knowing their numbers’.

"Even if you feel fit and strong, high blood pressure has no symptoms and if you don’t tackle it, could lead to you having a heart attack or stroke.

"Having your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and could save your life."

Vaughan Wonnacott: 'I didn’t know before I came today that you could get your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy – I’ve learned a few good things tonight'Vaughan Wonnacott: 'I didn’t know before I came today that you could get your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy – I’ve learned a few good things tonight' (Image: Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB) Long-time Watford fan, Vaughan Wonnacott, from St Albans, said: "I came along because I want to do everything I can to stay fit and well.

"I do lots of exercise, give blood, play sports and have a busy job, but I still want to check to make sure that I’m as fit as I can be, and that if there is anything amiss I catch it early."

Health care assistants from Bridgewater Surgeries in Watford, Jayne Apps and Evonne Collins, took blood pressures at the event.

Evonne said: "It’s so vital for your health to get your blood pressure checked.

"It only takes two minutes, it's not going to cause any pain or any discomfort and it could be a real game-changer for your health."

More than 200 pharmacies across Hertfordshire and west Essex are offering free blood pressure checks for anyone over 40 who hasn’t had their blood pressure taken in the past six months.

Information about where to get a blood pressure check, how to understand what the numbers mean, and advice on making healthy lifestyle changes can be found on the ICB’s new website: hertsandwestessex.ics.nhs.uk/bp.