A CAMPAIGN group which uses a Viz cartoon to help promote men's health in the region has criticised a decision to cut NHS funding.

George Hepburn, chief executive of the Newcastle-based Community Foundation said it was "a worry" that there were no plans to use the cartoon character this year.

Mr Hepburn, who was speaking at the launch of Men's Health Week, also expressed regret that the Idle Eric character had not been adopted by the Department of Health as a way of getting healthy messages across to men.

Since 2002, the cartoon figure of Idle Eric, drawn by Viz cartoonist Steve Donald, has featured on buses and billboards on Tyneside and Wearside.

Using Viz-style humour, the character has been used to encourage men to take up walking, cycling and to visit their GP for health checks.

But after four years, funding from primary care trusts in the region has been stopped.

The chief executive of the Community Foundation, criticised the decision to cancel the funding.

"Eric ought to be on the buses all the time," said Mr Hepburn.

"We would like to see Eric out and about more. I think there is a lot to be done about men's health."

"It's a worry that there are no plans for a campaign this year. I can't believe that the primary care trusts don't still see men's health as a priority issue.

"I hope we will see Eric back on the road later this year," said Mr Hepburn, who was speaking at The Sage, in Gateshead.

The foundation chief executive said it was "a great shame" that the Department of Health chose not to adopt Eric as a national men's health campaign tool.

Kay Jordan, spokeswoman for NHS South of Tyne and Wear, said: "It is well known that many men are reluctant to go to their GP when they are unwell. Consequently, the primary care trusts North of Tyne and South of Tyne and Wear are always looking for opportunities for targeted men's health campaigns and there are lots of local initiatives currently taking place.

"Idle Eric may well figure in health promotion campaigns in the future, but in planning and funding campaigns we need to ensure that we cover all sections of our populations.

A Department of Health spokesman declined to comment.