RESIDENTS living near to Bristol International Airport could be at risk of high blood pressure.

RESIDENTS living near to Bristol International Airport could be at risk of high blood pressure.

Research funded by the European Commission has shown that people living close to airports are 50 per cent more likely to suffer from hypertension as a result of aircraft noise.

Results indicated that night-time noise from planes can affect blood pressure instantly and repeated exposure can have a long-term effect.

Stop Bristol Airport Expansion spokeswoman Hilary Burn said: "Those living close-by have long been feeling the effects of increased aircraft noise and it has caused more and more stress for them.

"This report is an alarming confirmation the health of some communities in North Somerset is in increasingly at stake.