CHILDHOOD asthma is on the increase, and research estimates that one in seven UK children aged two to 15 - more than 1.5 million - currently have the condition. Asthma and wheezing in children under five has almost doubled in less than a decade.

The National Asthma Campaign's Junior Asthma Club, set up in 1989, currently has 3,200 individual members and 1,500 group members nationwide.

The Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Asthma Support Group, set up in 1994, is one of the many support groups around the country with a junior asthma club, which encourages children with asthma to feel special. It had gradually ground to a halt, but has seen a revival in recent months. RACHEL PINDER reports... TWELVE-year-old twin brothers Carl and Mark Ainscough are asthmatic and go to the junior asthma club with their ten-year-old sister Natalie.

Mum Trish, 37, and dad Michael, 38, of Clifton Street, Rishton, have been taking their children to the club for the past four years.

Mark has had asthma since he was three, and Carl has had the condition since he was seven, although his is not as severe as Mark's.

Trish says they seem to be getting a bit better now they are getting older, as they understand their own medication and know when to take it.

She said: "Since they started going to the junior asthma club they've got involved with a lot of sports. They are not disadvantaged, and it's got them involved in sports they wouldn't normally have a chance to do.

"They've had the opportunity to do watersports, such as windsurfing and canoeing, as well as abseiling, trampolining, and ice skating.

"It's nice for the children as they can all get together, and it's good for parents as we can meet other parents and discuss different signs and symptoms." Carl and Mark are pupils at St Augustine's RC High School, Billington, and Natalie goes to St Charles RC Primary School , Rishton.

Trish added: "I would advise parents who have asthmatic children to take them to the junior asthma club. It's been really beneficial for all of us and it's been great to talk to other parents.

"Carl and Mark are much better than they were when they were little. I know the signs to look for now, as I had to wait until they were wheezy when they were younger.

"At certain times of the year I notice their symptoms get worse, so I make sure they've got their medication, and now they know when to take it."

Children who join the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Asthma Support Group's junior asthma club learn all about asthma and how it affects them, as well as enjoying a range of activities and events. They also learn how to take the correct treatment to control their asthma, so they don't miss out on having fun.

The club runs in conjunction with the paediatric department at Queens's Park Hospital, and Jill Hodson, children's respiratory nurse, takes a keen role in the club's activities.

Georgina McWhirter is a trained asthma nurse and as club co-ordinator she has helped to get the club back on its feet.

She is herself a brittle asthmatic, and is on hand to give advice, support and literature to asthma sufferers and their families. She said: "All the activities are open to asthmatic children and their siblings, as we feel it is important that the non-asthmatic children do not feel at a disadvantage, and it also helps them to understand asthma more.

"It also helps all children with asthma to carry out normal daily activities, and keeps them as active as possible."

All activities, which include abseiling and water sports, are run by trained professionals, in conjunction with the recreation department of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. There is a charge of £2 per family, to cover the instructor and insurance costs.

The club currently has approximately 25 members, but is always keen to welcome new members.

Georgina added: "I would not have been able to restart the junior asthma club without the help of Branch Secretary Ann Wainwright and everyone else at the Blackburn branch."

Forthcoming events in August include soft ball games and a Cricket match at Rishton Cricket Club. In October, there is ice hockey at the Blackburn Arena and a Halloween party at the Manxman Hotel. There is also a Christmas party at the Manxman Hotel, with games and a disco and the chance to meet Father Christmas.

If any youngsters have any ideas, or would like to take part in a particular activity, contact Georgina on 01254 723532. She would also be keen to hear from anyone who can help with securing a permanent venue for the club.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.