A disease which was thought to be wiped out 100 years ago is on the increase in the North East.
Rickets, which leaves sufferers with bow legs, was rife among children in the 1800s because of poor diet and smog.
It is caused by a lack of vitamin D, the vitamin responsible for building bones, and sunshine, but had been largely consigned to the history books as poverty was wiped out.
But experts say the disease is making a comeback because of fad diets, which ban milk and animal products, and fears about the sun's harmful rays.
They estimate one in 20,000 are sufferers - making 130 adults and 20 children in the North East.
Exposure to sunlight is vital to help the body make vitamin D.
Dr Tim Cheetham, a paediatrician based at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary has treated hundreds of sufferers who are offered supplements and bone-straightening operations.
He said: "We do not have any accurate figures, but it is fair to say that there has been an increase in cases because of poor nutrition.
"I came across a case recently in Sunderland where a child had developed rickets because the only thing his mother could make him eat was chicken nuggets.
"But rickets is also more common in certain ethnic minorities because it is their tradition to cover up their skin, meaning they get less sunlight.
"There are now more ethnic minorities in the North East than ever before and this may be why there are more cases.
"Rickets is also hereditary, and for some children it doesn't matter how much cod liver oil you give them and how much healthy sun they are exposed to, their legs will still bend or twist."
Dr Cheetham also blamed the growing popularity of alternative diets, such as veganism which bans all animal products, for causing vitamin deficiencies.
Larry and Carrie Winger, of Allendale, Northumberland, have two children, Benjamin, 14, and Breanna, 17, who both have rickets.
They have the inherited form of the disease which means their kidneys are faulty and get rid of phosphorus from the body - one of the building blocks of bones.
Benjamin takes supplements for his condition and his sister has had two bone-straightening operations.
Four years ago Mr Winger, who develops diagnostic tests for medicines at Newcastle University, decided to help set up a worldwide support group because the family were feeling isolated.
The XLH network, named after the rogue gene that causes the disease, now has more than 200 members who keep in touch via the internet.
Mr Winger, 49, said: "Sufferers can feel very isolated. My son will never run any marathons or play football which can be very frustrating, but he makes up for it in other ways and is a fantastic singer.
"Our kids' bones can't take advantage of the healthy properties of good sunlight, but we can all learn more about growing the best we can. Nowadays, with everyone so concerned about ultra-violet radiation and sufficient sunscreen, we often forget just how important sunshine really is."
For more information on the support group call (01434) 685047.
