Oxford United fans are being urging to have a free heart check at the team’s home game next weekend.

NHS Oxfordshire, the county’s primary care trust, will be offering free heart checks to supporters aged between 40 and 74 when the U’s take on Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

The aim is to prevent cardiovascular disease.

The PCT’s health bus pulled up to Oxford United’s training ground in Bicester on Thursday so the players could take a look.

United manager Chris Wilder urged fans to take up the free offer.

He added: “It sounds like a great idea and we are pleased to play our part.

“I hope fans make use of it and that the checks help as many people as possible.

“Just after Christmas there are plenty of people looking to adjust their lifestyle so perhaps this might give them the ideal chance to see what can be done to help.”

It is estimated that out of 240,000 Oxfordshire adults aged between 40 and 74, about 40,000 are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

At next Saturday’s game, health workers will measure fans’ blood pressure, height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) to assess their risk of a future heart attack or stroke.

Claire Laurent, health improvement practitioner at NHS Oxfordshire, said the checks took about 15 minutes.

She added: “If your blood pressure is high we refer you to your GP for further tests.

“And, if you might benefit from a healthier lifestyle, then we can refer you to a health trainer to help you achieve your goal.”

Trevor Lambert, chairman of Oxford United Supporters’ Trust Oxvox, said he would be getting himself checked out if he saw the bus.

He added: “I think they should probably do it before the game rather than after, for obvious reasons, but I think it’s a good idea.

“It’s often said, but men are reluctant to go their GPs.

“So taking the message to somewhere like a football match which is populated by a lot of men is a good opportunity. It’s good for the NHS to get out meet people in these situations.”