An NHS health check spurred 41-year-old Wayne Lindsell to shed two stone when his weight ballooned after quitting smoking.

Mr Lindsell gave up smoking four years ago but only after undertaking a routine health check did he realise the sweets and daily lattes he used to replace his nicotine fix was adding inches to his waist.

He was shocked to find out how much he weighed when he went for a free NHS Health Check at his GP surgery in Parson Drove, after receiving a letter in the post.

After meeting a health trainer he says he could not believe how much fat and sugar was in his diet - which included portions of fried food and cheese - and he decided to take action.

The advice proved invaluable and spurred him on to lose more than two stone by changing his diet and lifestyle. He is now able to wear a pair of shorts on holiday and will “look good in a suit” at his wedding in October next year.

“I feel healthier and lighter,” he said, “I find it much easier to get in and out of banger cars when I am racing. I would encourage everyone to have their NHS Health Check; it can really change your life.”

An NHS Health Check is designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

Mr Linsdell of Guyhirn got in the new habit of checking labels on sandwiches and crisps and began eating few takeaways.

“When the health trainer explained how many extra calories and additional fat I was having in just the lattes I was totally shocked,” he said.

Ahead of World Stroke Day on Sunday health experts are encouraging people aged 40-74 years to book in for a free NHS Health Check at their local GP surgery and help detect potential problems before they do real damage.

The short 20-30 minute check on blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and the lifestyle factors that influence your health help to determine how likely you are to get heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes or have a stroke in the future.

Those aged over 65 are also told about the signs and symptoms of dementia as part of the Health Check, which is funded by the county council’s health budget.