WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is backing a campaign highlighting the day to day impact of living with Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis.

The two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which are unpredictable conditions, affect more than 300,000 people across the UK and as many as 252,000 people in England.

National patient charity Crohn's and Colitis UK has joined up with international groups to raise awareness in order to help people understand the complex, lifelong and potentially life-threatening conditions, which can include serious mental health implications.

Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week runs from tomorrow, Tuesday, until next Monday.

Mrs Jones said it is 'vital' that residents try to 'reach out' to others who may feel isolated during the week.

She added: "Helping increase understanding as part of Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week is important to me as there will be hundreds of Warrington people who suffer from these hidden, often misunderstood and dreadful conditions."

Living with IBD can be a daily struggle and some symptoms can 'lead' sufferers to try to cope without adequate support.

Crohn's and Colitis UK is asking people to highlight the week through digital and social media to show what it is like to live with IBD every day.

IBD can cause urgent and frequent diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, pain, profound fatigue and anaemia.

In some patients there is an associated inflammation of the joints, skin, liver or eyes.

Malnutrition and weight loss are also common, particularly for those suffering from Crohn's disease.

For further information visit crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/awarenessweek.