Hampshire residents can now borrow blood pressure monitors from their local library.

In an initiative to encourage residents to manage their health, Hampshire County Council is offering the monitors free-of-charge at every library.

The devices are loaned on a 'first come-first served' basis for up to 14 days at a time. Each monitor comes with a user-friendly leaflet providing instructions.

The council's 40 branches each have three devices available.

Those concerned about their readings should consult a healthcare professional, and further information is accessible on the NHS website.

Cllr Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for adult social care and public health, said: "If left untreated, high blood (hypertension) can lead to strokes, heart attacks, coronary heart disease and heart failure but, worryingly, a third of people in the UK who are affected, are unaware.

"As the local public health authority for Hampshire, the county council has a duty to improve the health of residents, which is why we are supporting initiatives like these that empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing."

To borrow a monitor, residents must join their local library.