AN eating disorders service has been launched to support children and young people.

The new Community Eating Disorder Service (CEDS) is based at Bury's North Hub, in Tenterden Street.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Dorothy Gunther cut the ribbon at an event to officially open the health service, which is run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Support will be provide for eight to 18-year-olds who live in Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and Oldham.

Cllr Gunther said: "The guidance, support and advice that these young people and their families receive is vital and I was very impressed with the work that is being done which, at times, must be very difficult but also very rewarding."

Children, young people and their families joined health and social care professionals at the opening to take a tour of the hub and take part in various activities.

Children coloured in wind chimes and sun catchers during a session organised by Cartwheel Arts Project, and made hand prints for a wall mural at the site.

Other activities included candle making, nail painting and beauty therapy.

Visitors also wrote secrets of messages of hope which were attached to balloons and released as part of the opening.

Vicky Brown, CEDS clinical lead, said: "The event was a great success, with young people and parents coming to chat to us about the support available and hopefully ease any worries they might have.

"We were also able to meet with professionals from all backgrounds, from district nurses to family workers, to share guidance on everything from what to do if they’re concerned about a young person to making a referral into the service.

For more information, email Pennine.ED@nhs.net, call 0161 716 1560, or visit www.healthyyoungmindspennine.nhs.uk/eatingdisorders.