A GROUP is trying to make people in Bolton more aware of the problem of brittle bone disease, otherwise known as osteoporosis.

The Bolton branch of the National Osteoporosis Society is focusing on secondary school pupils to get their message across about osteoporosis and the damage it causes.

The group was awarded £1,000 from the Health for Bolton Fund and decided to buy booklets to help make people more aware of the disease and the effect it has on people's lives.

The booklets are available from most Bolton libraries and have been delivered to all secondary schools in Bolton, so they can be used for education projects.

Secretary of the Bolton branch, Edna Liptrot, aged 68, who is also a sufferer, said: "One of the first signs of osteoporosis is a reduction in height. I have lost one inch since I was 16 and I have no back pain and no loss of enjoyment in life. However, there are some people who suddenly realise they have lost two to six inches in height and their backs are permanently damaged. We really want to make people more aware of this problem."

"It is, to a large extent, a natural result of ageing but we can do something about it if we are warned in time."

The Health for Bolton Fund awards money to voluntary and community groups in Bolton in a bid to improve the borough's health.