A woman of 93 was one of those taking part in a charity walk around Keighley to raise money for the National Osteoporosis Society.

Lily Norris was joined on a circuit by her friends from the local branch of the Society. More than 30 people took part, raising £1,450 for research into the condition, which causes bones to become brittle and break easily.

Chairman of the support group Joan Sherlock says: "We all had a fantastic day."

The walk coincided with National Osteoporosis Week, which highlighted the symptoms and treatment of a disease that affects one in three women and one in 20 men. In a joint effort, the local support group joined with Boots the Chemist to distribute hundreds of leaflets to people in the Airedale Centre.

Support group member Eileen Jarvis says: "I believe we have a made lot of people more aware about the disease."

"A lot of people seem to think that it's an old ladies disease, but it can affect men and women, both young and old.'

The disease often causes a curvature of the spine, leading to a condition known as "Dowagers Hump.'

Other common problems include hip and spinal fractures, and according to the society, approximately one in five patients who suffer a hip fracture die within a year of their accident.

In many cases, osteoporosis can be prevented and treated but their is still no certain cure for the condition.

Broken bones, loss of height and back pain - especially for people over the age of 40 - could be possible warning signs which should be checked with a local doctor.

Anyone who would like more information about the disease can chairman of the local support group, Joan Sherlock, on 605594.

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