Hundreds of people queued for free diabetic screening tests thanks to the Castle Point Lions.

The screening day, held in the car park of the Safeway superstore in London Road, Hadleigh, hoped to pick up any people who have diabetes but were unaware of it.

Nursing Sister Bobbie Gibbs who performed the tests on Saturday, said: "It is absolutely vital that people know whether they have the condition.

Testing time - Bobbie Gibbs takes a blood sample from Lion Clive Hobbs Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

"It can develop in anyone as they get older and can lead to heart disease, blindness or even loss of limbs if it is not picked up quickly."

The screening day was a complete success as far as Lion's member and one of the event's organisers, Brian Cordery, was concerned.

He said: "Even if we only picked up one person on the day it would be a success. As it is we have referred quite a few people to their GP's following the results, so it has been an important day."

Published Tuesday October 15, 2002

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