A PRESTONPANS schoolgirl is heading a campaign to make people more aware of "invisible" disabilities.

Grace Warnock, 10, who has Crohn's Disease, says she has experienced negative attitudes in the past when she has used accessible toilets because her condition is not visible.

The youngster, whose condition is currently in remission, relied on access to the public toilets, which she said gave her support and dignity while out and about.

But not everyone understood she needed the facilities because she was not obviously disabled.

Now Grace has designed a new sign for the public loos which draws attention to the fact that people might not have a visible disability but may still need to use an accessible toilet and she is calling on those responsible for public toilets to support her campaign.

And her campaign is being backed by East Lothian MSP Iain Gray who invited Grace to Holyrood to discuss her experiences.

Grace said: “There are children and adults with severe Crohns who have had to have surgery and they need to change their stoma bags when out. Doing this in a room that has a toilet and sink means that they will be able to do in the privacy of one room.

“Why should you be made to feel bad just because you need a little more space or you need access to clean water? No one should be stared at or receive hurtful comments doing something very natural just because your illness can’t be seen.”

There are currently an estimated 115,000 people living with Crohns Disease in the Uk. The condition causes an inflammation in the digestive system, most commonly in the intestines.

In severe cases it can require surgery to remove part of the intestine, leading to people requiring stoma bags.

Mr Gray, MSP, praised Grace's awareness campaign pledging to support her in any way he can.

He said: "Living with Crohns disease means that being able to use an accessible toilet has been important to Grace. This should be straightforward enough, but her experience of using accessible toilets has sometimes been less than positive.

"This is in part due to many people thinking that if you're not a wheelchair user, or have another visible disability, you shouldn't be using them.

“Grace responded by coming up with a great idea to help raise public awareness and understanding. Her new door-sign seeks to highlight the fact that not everyone who needs to use an accessible toilet uses a wheelchair or has another visible disability.

“I am fully behind Grace's campaign. She’s an inspirational girl who has shown great determination to pursue this important issue and bring others on board with her idea. I will continue to do all I can to support her and hope to see her door-signs going up at accessible toilets across Scotland in the future.”