FOOTBALL fans were given the chance to have a health check before watching Middlesbrough play at the weekend.

And Boro player Rhys Williams was on the health bus at the Riverside Stadium to encourage more people to get a check over.

The scheme, which was part of the Healthy Living Pharmacy project, saw pharmacists and health experts checking people’s blood pressure while also offering dietary advice, substance misuse advice and information on quitting smoking.

Available throughout Middlesbrough, Stockton, Redcar and Hartlepool, Healthy Living Pharmacies offer specialist services and health advice to all members of the public.

Ginny Henderson, pharmacy manager at Whitworth Chemists in Thorntree, Middlesbrough, said: “Healthy Living Pharmacies are convenient, confidential and the place to come for expert advice on many aspects of healthy living. Pharmacies are open longer than many other health services, from early mornings to late nights – and you can find a pharmacy open on Teesside seven days a week.

“You don’t need an appointment to pop into a pharmacy for advice or for most services. But you can make an appointment if you want to and you can also phone a pharmacy for advice.”

For more information or to find your nearest Healthy Living Pharmacy, visit www.teessidepharmacy.net