Belgrave: The Confederation of Indian Organisations is to hold a stroke awareness event at the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, on Friday, April 24, to increase awareness about 'stroke' among the Asian communities in the Midlands.

Dipak Joshi, a member of the CIO's executive board, said: "Stroke is a serious problem for the South Asian community. People of South Asian origin in the UK are at a greater risk of stroke than the general population".

Vinod Kotecha, the head of the campaign team based at CIO's Leicester office, said many south Asians see salt as an important part of their diet, and it features prominently in traditional dishes.

"One of the reasons why the stroke risk is raised among the South Asian community because its members are more prone to diabetes and high blood pressure and the high intake of salt can increase the risk of all three conditions."

Guests at the event – to be held at 10am – will include Professor Paul Robinson of the NHS Trust in Leicester, former Secretary of State Patricia Hewitt MP and Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Manjula Sood.

For details, call Vinod Kotecha on 0116 261 1768.