Thousands are kept well by health board's new scheme

It is part of an initiative to capture those least likely to voluntarily come forward for a check-up off their own bats.

GP surgeries in the most deprived areas were enlisted to help, while extra efforts were made to reach out to groups such as travellers.

Project manager Ciara Byrne said: "The idea is to help reduce health inequalities by targeting help at some of Lothian's most vulnerable communities.

"The focus is on cardiovascular disease, which can cause heart attacks and stroke.

"By focusing on cardiovascular disease and its causes, we hope we are improving the health outcomes of some of the most deprived groups."