PINK balloons have been launched by women and children on Teesside as part of breast awareness month.

Specialist nurses ran breast health workshops and answered women's concerns as part of an awareness day at South Bank Women's Centre to encourage woman to be alert to changes in their breasts and also to highlight the precautionary measures currently available.

Women attending the event, including those already affected by breast cancer, were treated to aromatherapy, facials and manicures and a free buffet. Children and mothers decorated breast-shaped chocolates to make the more serious issue easier to talk about.

The centre's community health worker, Adele Holmes, one of the event's organisers, said: "The balloon launch by the women and children was in celebration and memory of those women who have been touched by breast cancer.

"We have had one women at the event who had both breasts removed and she came along to be pampered, which was great.

"We want people to check their breasts regularly and if they feel a lump, they should get it checked, not avoid it. Ninety per cent of lumps are not dangerous."

It is hoped that the day, organised by the centre, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's health education unit and Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust Health Promotion, will encourage women to take part in a breast screening programme that takes place in South Bank in January.

South Bank Women's Centre runs academic and non-academic courses for women and runs a youth group for girls and woman aged up to 25. To take part, call the centre on (01642) 296 166.