Members of the Stroke Association Dysphasia Support Group held an open day to educate sufferers and their families.

The event at Ellendune Community Centre in Wroughton coincided with National Stroke Week.

A steady stream of visitors met support workers and representatives from associated groups like Age Concern and Focus, a carers group.

Many took advantage of a free blood pressure testing service on offer.

Registered nurses had been drafted in from Princess Margaret Hospital to offer the service.

Support worker Sue Hollands said it was important to give people the chance to have their blood pressure taken in relaxed surroundings.

"Many people might be put off at the thought of going to hospital," she said.

Sue was keen to convey the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

"It is the only thing you can do to reduce the risk of stroke," she said.

Speech and language therapist Jo Dowton was also on hand to discuss learning techniques with carers and sufferers.

Many people who suffer a stroke loose the power of speech as it can often cause paralyses of the nerve endings.