Published: 16/03/2010 09:00 - Updated: 16/03/2010 09:07

MORE than 100 teenagers took part in a high-profile heart screening session to raise awareness of undiagnosed problems in young people.

The all-day event at Bishop’s Stortford High School, run by charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) was held in memory of former pupil Caroline Johnstone, who collapsed and died in 2008.

It was backed by the 17-year-old’s parents Lesley and Johnny, who were interviewed that morning by the BBC’s Look East and Radio 5 Live. Johnny also publicised the event in advance on BBC Three Counties Radio.

The teens, most of whom study at the London Road secondary, were given electrocardiograph (ECG) tests to monitor the electrical activity of their hearts. Stortford MP Mark Prisk, who launched the event, was also tested.

About 10 pupils – which is in line with the national average – were advised to have further scans to rule out underlying problems.

Since Caroline’s death, friends and relatives have been lobbying to raise awareness of heart problems in young people. Last year’s Cazfest music festival, which takes place again this year on July 4, collected more than £25,000 for CRY.

The school’s drama teacher Lucy Hughes, who has been helping the campaign, said: "It’s great that we’ve taken this step – it shows everything we’ve done over the past few years has a point. The people who needed more tests might not have had anything wrong with them, but it could find something that might be a problem in later life."

It is hoped that testing will expand to other schools in the Observer area over the coming year.