CAMPAIGNERS of the crippling brittle bone disease osteoporosis have given a frosty welcome to their new patron, Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Prince of Wales's friend will champion the cause of the National Osteoporosis Society in a bid to raise awareness.

But while the NOS nationally has warmly greeted Mrs Parker Bowles, the Blackburn and district branch has revealed its indifference to the appointment.

Spokeswoman Catharine Warland said: "We are more concerned with who the directors and professionals of the NOS are."

Mrs Parker Bowles, whose mother and grandmother suffered osteoporosis, has been an enthusiastic supporter of the NOS.

She becomes the society's seventh patron along with Wendy Craig, Lynn Faulds Wood, Lady Hylton, Mary Peters, Dr Miriam Stoppard and Lizzie Webb.

One in three women and one in 12 men will suffer a fracture because osteoporosis has made their bones so porous, they break easily.

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