CAMPAIGNERS are warning young girls in Bolton to forget about dieting and build up their bones.

The local branch of the National Osteoporosis Society is targeting primary children in a bid to prevent them getting the disease in later life.

Members of the group fear the growth in eating disorders and diets is leading to a generation of women with the brittle bone disease.

It has invested funds in a teaching pack which fits in well with traditional lessons while warning children about the dangers of not eating a healthy diet.

Edna Liptrot, secretary, said: "More and more young women are developing osteoporosis at a young age because of slimming.

"It seems that when they go into Years Six and Seven they start wanting to look like the models in magazines and stop eating properly.

"But they do not realise how much damage they are doing to their bodies.

"I know Bolton women in their 20s who can't have children because they cannot carry the weight or have difficulties keeping a job because of back pain. It ruins their lives."

Mrs Liptrot says one woman in three will go on to develop the disease and that is why the local branch is investing £250 of its own funds to buy 25 teaching packs for schools.

Members of the local branch are backing the development of a new pack aimed at secondary school children by supporting national efforts to raise £100,000.

Primary teachers can call for a pack on 01942 815945. BRITNEY LIVE See tomorrow's BEN