A CARTOON character is at the centre of an award-winning campaign to raise awareness in County Durham about the misuse of antibiotics.

Detective Moxy Malone, created by Viz illustrator Steve Donald, is "tracking down the truth" about when antibiotics do and don't work.

The campaign will run on local radio, TV, appear on bus shelters and on posters and leaflets throughout January.

Children in GP surgery waiting areas are also enjoying the campaign by colouring in the Moxy Malone character.

Dr Deb Wilson, from the Health Protection Agency, said: "The campaign aims to inform people that antibiotics do not work against colds, viral sore throats and 'flu.

"We are also using the campaign to point out that antibiotics are not harmless and can have unpleasant side effects such as thrush, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea."

"What is also important is that overuse of antibiotics can help bacteria develop resistance to them."

For further information about how antibiotics should be used and their side-effects pick up a copy of the campaign leaflet from your GP surgery or local pharmacy.