YOUNG asthma sufferers are being offered a cool new image by an Oxfordshire company which aims to make children eager and willing to take their medicine, writes Maggie Hartford.

Euromark, based in a converted barn on the outskirts of Tubney village, near Abingdon, has launched clip-on inhaler covers called Puffa Pals, showing favourite children's cartoon characters.

Childhood asthma is a growing problem, affecting one million children in Britain. Some fear being teased when they take their metered dose through an inhaler, and so don't get the treatment they need.

Euromark manager Nancy Pugh said: "It is deeply 'uncool' to be seen using a metered dose inhaler, yet for many children it is an essential part of their lives.

"The inhaler brings relief in the event of an asthma attack and allows them to live a normal life, yet some children are reluctant to use them for fear of being picked on.

"We are hoping Puffa Pals will win the playground vote by offering a fun way of removing the stigma."

The Casper, Bart Simpson and Tweety covers, already a success in Australia, are now on sale in Boots.

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