HEALTH bosses have recruited teenagers to help as growing numbers of children and young adults are diagnosed with differing types of mental illness.

National research shows more than ten per cent of children aged five to 15 years old in England, Scotland and Wales have some type of mental disorder.

Keen to get across the message that help is available, experts on Teesside have brought in youngsters to produce a magazine for young people, spelling out a health service strategy in terms they will understand.

A spokesman for the Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust said: "It is hoped that the document will appeal to children and young people and give a clear message that there are services out there that can help when they are experiencing difficulties. The magazine highlights that emotional problems can happen to anyone.''

Everyone's Business - launched yesterday by teenagers Samantha Stamper, 17, and 15-year-old Rebecca McCartney - will be available in GPs' waiting rooms, schools and health and social service buildings.

Sam said: "I felt it was very important to make it clear to the person reading the magazine to realise that they were not alone and that there was plenty of help and support available to them.''

Rebecca added: "Joining the team to create Everyone's Business magazine was a great experience.

"I enjoyed creating the characters as I love to draw and it is good practice for when I go to art college in September.''