HALTON MP Derek Twigg has pledged his support to raise awareness of a crippling tick-borne infection.

An awareness event was held in Parliament last week to highlight the problems of lyme disease.

This bacterial infection can become a chronic, debilitating and disabling condition if not treated.

Mr Twigg said: “There is a real lack of awareness of the dangers which lyme disease presents in those infected, some of whom are my constituents and many GPs are not aware of how best to treat it.

“I hope that with greater awareness of the disease and its implications, those suffering with it can receive better treatment.”

As lyme disease is not a notifiable disease in the UK, the number of cases is unknown.

It is believed there could be between 3,000 and 45,000 each year.

Many people with early-stage lyme disease develop a distinctive circular rash at the site of the tick bite, usually around three to 30 days after being bitten.

For more information visit lymediseaseuk.com.