STUDENTS in Darlington have been given advice to raise awareness of a potentially fatal disease.

Meningitis Research Foundation has just produced a new free wall planner, which has been sent to Darlington College of Technology, giving students advice on the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease.

Whilst most of the student have got the vaccine which protects them against Group C meningitis, there are other major forms of these disease which are not yet vaccine preventable.

The foundation says it is vital students remain aware of the signs and symptoms.

In previous years about 12 per cent of students who have contracted meningitis and septicaemia have died and many more have suffered the after effects, which can be as serious as brain damage, deafness and amputations.

The planner gives the foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline number, 080 8800 3344, for students with concerns.