Hard-hitting TV adverts show anyone in the North West can be a "stroke saver" by acting FAST.

A new campaign which aims to save lives by showing people how to spot the signs and symptoms of stroke returns to North West TV screens today.

The Act FAST campaign aims to show people the signs and symptoms they should look for to identify someone suffering from a stroke, with the aim of making everyone a potential "stroke-saver".

Following a successful campaign last year, the NHS in England saw a 25 per cent rise in stroke related 999 calls, and a 19 per cent rise in stroke sufferers being seen quicker.

The Act FAST campaign has been running since 2009. It features striking TV adverts which will run until March 24 and aims to help people identify the symptoms of stroke by acting FAST.

It explains that people should look for:

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?

Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

Time to call 999. 

Public health minister Anna Soubry said: “Despite being a treatable condition, stroke continues to be the third leading cause of death in England and the largest cause of adult disability. It does not need to be this way.

“The Act FAST campaign continues to save lives and prevent disability by showing us that anyone can be a stroke saver just by making sure they know how to spot the signs - and acting FAST if they see them.”

Joe Korner, director of communications for the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is a medical emergency, so it is essential everyone can recognise the signs and act. Time lost is brain lost.

“A stroke is a brain injury caused by a blockage or bleed in the brain. Getting appropriate treatment fast reduces the amount of brain damage and improves the chance of making a good recovery." 

The TV adverts are specifically targeted adults aged 55-plus, who are most likely to suffer from a stroke.

They will also target people of black African and Caribbean and South Asian origins, as they are twice as likely to suffer stroke as people of European origin.