A CARTOON character is leading the fight against the deadly superbug MRSA in East Lancashire.

For colourful character "Auntie Biotic" is fronting a pro-active campaign to help cut down on the use of antibiotics by the public.

The initiative has been set up by the area's health chiefs to tell people that overuse of antibiotics is aiding the growing resistance of some bacteria - and hindering the battle to beat the effects of MRSA in hospitals.

The main theme spells out that "antibiotics do NOT kill viruses" and warns people against unnecessary usage of antibiotics.

Thousands of leaflets have already been sent out to GP surgeries and schools as part of the East Lancashire-wide campaign to raise public awareness.

Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust is already leading the way by sending out the hard-hitting leaflets, with Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn and Ribble Valley PCTs set to follow suit.

Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale PCT Head of Medicines Management, Catherine Harding, said: "It's all about reducing any unnecessary usage of antibiotics, which can lead to resistance to them when they are really needed."

"It is quite an eye-opener when ordinary members of the public learn that there is a link between overuse of antibiotics and the MRSA bug which is blighting our hospitals.

"If bacteria become resistant to the majority of antibiotics, it becomes harder to eliminate them from places like hospitals." Patients suffering from coughs, colds or flu frequently expect their doctor to prescribe an antibiotic and the leaflets are designed to explain why this is not appropriate and offer advice on how to deal with these ailments.

Mrs Harding said antibiotics only kill bacteria, not viruses.

The body's own defences will fight against cold and flu viruses. If symptoms get worse they are advised to speak to their doctor, nurse or pharmacist or ring NHS Direct for further information on 0845 46 47.