More than 700 people were screened for heart conditions at a community event in Ayrshire.

The event, hosted by NHS Ayrshire & Arran, the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, The Killie Community, screened individuals from 10am to 7pm in Kilmarnock.

Those on-site included a team from University Hospital Crosshouse’s cardiology department, the acute care team, and members of Pumping Marvellous, the UK's largest patient-led heart failure charity.

Out of 710 individuals screened, 157 people were detected with high blood pressure, and 11 among 102 who were given a fingertip blood test for signs of heart failure were given follow-up appointments.

Twenty-three were identified with an irregular heart rhythm, and several were found with heart murmurs who were given follow-up appointments and a heart scan in the cardiac day unit at University Hospital Crosshouse.

Gaynor Campbell, a senior cardiology advanced nurse practitioner, said: "The day was an overwhelming success and we were completely blown away by the number of people who turned up and waited to be seen.

"It really shows there is an appetite for this kind of screening event and will provide excellent feedback to Pumping Marvellous who offered us the opportunity to be part of their pilot which is looking at improving access to health care in alternative settings.

"We know from feedback that the vast majority found it to be a really positive and worthwhile experience.

"I'd like to give a special mention to all the NHS and charity staff involved – most of whom gave up their days off to take part – it really wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

A spokesperson from The Killie Community said the charity uses football to engage people from all backgrounds and circumstances and to improve lives.

They added: “We were thrilled to open up our Community Hub to host such an important event.

"For hundreds of individuals to have their heart issues identified, together we have potentially saved lives."

One of the attendees who was given a follow-up appointment at the cardiac day unit said: “I can’t believe that my condition was picked up at the event and I’ve already been seen at the hospital and given the medication I need to take.

"I am so glad that I went along to be screened and am very grateful to all those involved.”