CHILDREN spent the day balancing books on their heads in an effort to save their backs.

Kids Backs 4 The Future (KB4TF), a community interest company, visited St Thomas More's School in Colchester on Friday to help the children prevent back problems.

Mayor Gerard Oxford visited the school in Priory Street to launch a poster competition for the national campaign.

KB4TF said Backcare statistics from 2015 found 72 per cent of primary school children suffer from back and neck pain due to overuse of technology.

Lyndee Oscar, managing director, said: "As an osteopath of 25 years, it shocks and saddens me to see and hear statistics such as those.

"With increasing use of smartphones, gaming, and the added burden of heavy school bags, there comes an escalation of discomfort and poor postural habits.

"I wanted to make a difference, and Kids Backs 4 the Future was developed to reach and educate as many young people as possible."

Children took part in a range of exercises to help their backs, and the poster competition was launched.

The winning design will feature in a national campaign.

The company is working with Colchester Council to reach out to schools this month.

They are handing out bookmarks which include handy tips to prevent back pain.

For more information visit www.kidsbacks4thefuture.co.uk or www.backcare.org.uk.