SCHOOLS in Bolton are being urged to adopt an asthma policy to protect the health of their pupils.

The charity, the National Asthma Campaign, is calling for primary and secondary schools across the country to implement a universal asthma strategy.

The campaign says that with one in eight children suffering from the potentially fatal breathing illness more should be done in the classroom to cope with symptoms.

Schools are being asked to complete a questionnaire examining their approach to asthma and to put policies in place if they admit that they do not have a strategy.

Elaine Argent, a Bolton co-ordinator for the NAC, said: "It is imperative that all schools implement an asthma policy.

"One in eight children have asthma -- which means on average, four children in each class. If each school has staff who understand the condition they can offer vital assistance to children experiencing difficulty with their asthma."

A spokesman for Bolton's local education authority said each school had its own health and safety policies concerning the control of medicine.

But the LEA spokesman confirmed that at present there was no guidance issued by Bolton's LEA to schools concerning asthmatic pupils.

Mrs Argent is also hoping locals will join her in her mission to spread the word about the campaign's services and improve local standards of care for people with asthma.

Elaine said: "Volunteering means that I can help make a difference to the lives of people who have asthma.

"Although it is such an important health issue, many people are still unaware of the help and advice that is on offer."

Elaine can be reached on 01942 815597 or email volunter@asthma.org.uk