STUDENTS at a college have been urged to open their eyes to the dangers of Aids.

Darlington Primary Care Trust, the Gay Advice Darlington group and the police were at Darlington College of Arts and Technology to mark World Aids Day last week giving out information in the student centre.

Officials fear that young people have become complacent to the dangers of HIV and Aids.

Events have been staged across the world to remember people who have died and those who have to live with the effects of the incurable virus.

Gay Advice Darlington chairman Neil Bright said: "The event was designed to highlight the dangers and promote the safe sex message to everyone, regardless of their sexuality. We had a great response from the students."

Darlington College spokeswoman Diane Evans said: "Aids and HIV are not gay diseases; they can infect anyone and prevalence is rising again. It is vital that young people take care."