A FATHER from Ramsbottom travelled to Westminster to campaign for a more understanding society on behalf of his three-year-old son who has restricted growth.

Mr Dave Topping and his son Matthew joined Prestwich family David and Lynn Smith, and daughter Ruth, who also has restricted growth, and 200 other people to meet with Liberal Democrat MP Patsy Carlton.

The MP for Cheadle has tabled an early day motion (EDM) to change society's attitude towards children and adults with restricted growth.

Mr Topping, who lives with his family in Stubbins Lane, said: "We went to lobby MPs to support this motion and so far we have the support of 129 MPs. My wife Ruth and daughters Bethan (12) and Emily (6) also came."

The EDM calls for an end to the "constant media barrage of thoughtless discrimination, comment and misplaced jokes" and urges "those with influence to present positive images of those with restricted growth and to challenge the stereotypes associated with the condition".

At least half of the country's MPs need to sign the motion for it to be debated in the House of Commons.

"The early day motion is the first step in changing the way society perceives those with restricted growth," said Mr Topping, whose son was diagnosed with the condition at eight months.

Around 30,000 people are thought to be affected.

"So often society feels it is okay to poke fun at people with restricted in a way it would be unacceptable to do so in the case of disabled people, or make racist and sexist jokes."

Mr Topping added: "They do not realise the hurt it causes. We want society to stop seeing people with restricted growth as objects of fun."