Staff at one of Colchester’s oldest businesses have had their health checked for free.

Workers at building materials company, Kent Blaxill in Layer Road were checked over as part of an NHS-funded programme to improve health in the workplace.

Tests included body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels and cardio-vascular risk assessment.

Employees were also assessed for how much alcohol they drink and offered advice on healthy eating and exercise.

The checks were carried out by Anglian Community Enterprise which has taken over responsibility for community healthcare.

David Plowman, HR manager, said: “Absenteeism due to sickness can be very disruptive for any business so it is certainly in the company’s interest to do whatever it can to maintain a healthy workforce.

“More importantly though, it should be part of any good employer’s role to look after its employees. This is a very cost-effective means of achieving this.”