THERE was an overwhelming response to Crediton Lions Club's diabetes checking day at Crediton, held at Crediton Community Transport offices on Market Street.

Lions' president Eric Parkes said they were very pleased with the big response. "It gives people peace of mind," he said.

This was the first time the club had run the blood test check and diabetes screening day for six years, it used to be a regular event for the club.

Eric said: "It is a nice, simple check for people, it is good for people to know they are not at risk, or whether they should check further with their doctor."

Crediton Lions' community service chairman and organiser of the day, Tony Fitzwalter, said that Devon Lions Clubs had held the same event at this year's Devon County Show.

"We had about 250 people call in each day, and we found a few who needed further checks," he said.

For the club Lyn Sandford, Lloyds Pharmacy manager, was doing the blood pressure checks and pharmacist Demelza Grimes, carried out the diabetes checks.

More than two million people in the UK have diabetes. Up to another 500,000 have it but are unaware. Spotting diabetes early can greatly reduce the risk of serious health problems. The test is simple with an immediate result.

For more information there is the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960 (Textphone 020 7424 1031) or email [email protected]">[email protected] for confidential support and information. Or there is the Diabetes UK website at http://www.diabetes.org.uk/measureup">www.diabetes.org.uk/measureup . The Diabetes UK South West office is 01823 324007.