UP TO 75 per cent of young people experiencing mental health problems are unable to access any treatment due to a lack of funding says the Local Government Association.

Bolton North East MP Sir David Crausby is calling on the government to do more to help children access mental health care.

Sir David has signed an early day motion in Parliament asking the government to invest more in preventative care like in-school counselling.

He said: "Mental health is an area of public service that needs a lot of improvement. It’s been underfunded and overlooked for far too long and there are a lot of people struggling to access the services they need. We can’t allow children and young people to go for months or even years without proper care. I think early intervention is a smart approach.”

One in 10 children and young people are thought to be affected by mental health problems.