WILLING young volunteers in the region are needed to take part in a pioneering medical study that could help medics across the UK.

A team at the South Cleveland Hospital is looking for children aged five and six as well as teenagers aged 13 to 17 to take part in a study to measure bone density.

The aim of the research, being done in collaboration with Birmingham Children's Hospital, is to set up a UK database for health professionals to use. It would enable them to spot youngsters with low bone density who have problems associated with osteoporosis and other conditions in later life.

Spokeswoman Jackie Bates said: "We know that as children grow, their bone density increases to reach a maximum, or peak bone mass, by the age of about 20. That's why it's crucial for them to have calcium-rich diets and lots of exercise to build up and strengthen their bones as they're growing.

"The current data we're using is American and it is difficult to compare their children with ours because of variations in ethnic origins.

"Between the two hospitals we're hoping to see more than 1,000 schoolchildren and we'll put this information together to give us some UK data."

It takes about 30 minutes to scan a child and the machines are safe, painless and quick.

Any parent who wants their child to take part in the study, which should be completed by August, should ring (01642) 854785.