Elderly women can significantly reduce their risk of broken bones if they eat a better diet, according to new research.

Horsham-based charity Action Research has paid more than £75,000 towards a two-year study into the causes and treatment of the brittle bone condition osteoporosis.

The study found in elderly underweight women with osteoporosis, improvements in the diet prevented bone loss.

This is likely to reduce the possibility of disabling hip fractures.

Seventy-one underweight women aged over 70 with osteoporosis at the hip took part in the study.

The charity aims to help people overcome disease and disability.

It aims to raise £2.5 million in 2002 for medical research.