Men working at a Bradford Council depot have been putting themselves in for an MOT with a difference - to check out their health.

As part of a pilot project, workers at the Harris Street centre have been offered the free health check in a bid to get through to men, who are much more reluctant to see their doctors than women.

The scheme, which is part of the Health of Men project running across the district, has been a great success with about 100 workers, from bin men to street cleaners and managers, having a health MOT since October.

During the test, height, weight and body mass index - which can identify a weight problem - are taken.

Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are also measured and the patient is asked about alcohol intake and smoking, as well as healthy eating exercise and sexual health.

Men's health co-ordinator Andrew Harrison said between 25 and 50 per cent of the men they had seen had been referred to their doctor, mostly because of high blood pressure or being overweight.

A specially-adapted bus is used to do the checks, which have also been carried out at a depot in Bowling Back Lane in Bradford, as well as in Keighley.

Mr Harrison said many of the refuse collectors they saw had gained weight when promoted from being a 'walker' to actually driving the wagon.

"A return to walking is possible, but they face a loss of income if they choose to do so," he said.

"Consequently the Men's Health Team and the Council are considering planning a weight management programme in the work place."

Stuart Russo, who works at the depot, signed up for a health MOT in the first few weeks of the scheme.

Thanks to the check, the 29-year-old manager discovered his blood pressure was higher than normal.

"I am trying to play badminton once a week along with football."

Mr Russo said: "I think it's been very good as in this sort of environment it's a bit macho and there's an element of 'I'm a man and I don't need to see a doctor'.

"I think men do tend to avoid going to their doctor - they will only go when they've got a big problem."