POTENTIAL risks from body piercing are highlighted in a Burnley council campaign.

Posters are leaflets are being distributed to doctors' surgeries, sixth form colleges, night clubs, youth centres and body piercing studios.

The campaign is being carried out by the council's environmental health and cleansing service unit

The leaflets contain advice on the potential risks with information outlining possible health hazards and what to look for when choosing a piercing studio.

Coun Charles Bullas, council executive member for public protection and community safety, said: "With an increasing number of people having various parts of their body pierced it is important that the facts about this latest fashion are known."

He added: "Our main concern is that young people may be tempted to carry out body piercing themselves or top use less than reputable studios without fully understanding the risks they may be taking.

"The campaign aims to raise awareness of potential risks to health and gives practical advice on choosing a piercing studio."

They key messages are:

never attempt to carry a body piercing out yourself

understand the risks

only use a reputable body piercing studio.

The leaflets warn that potential risk include blood poisoning, severe swelling, scarring, localised infection, allergic reaction, excessive bleeding and the risk of blood borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis.

There is also advice on how to choose a piercing studio, on after care and the law.