MORE than 1,000 pupils at a North-East college are being offered antibiotics after a meningitis outbreak.

Emergency measures to protect more than 1,200 pupils at Farringdon Community Sport College, in Sunderland, were put in place after two pupils contracted bacterial meningitis.

One was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital before Easter, and has been discharged. The second pupil was admitted earlier this week and has also been discharged.

Although both are recovering well, health bosses have strongly advised parents to take up the antibiotics offer.

Dr Kirsty Foster, of the Health Protection Agency, said: "We are taking this action purely as a precautionary measure.

"I strongly advise parents of pupils at the school to take up the offer of antibiotics to reduce the risk, however small, of contracting this serious illness."

The germ that causes the illness lives in the backs of noses and throats and many people carry it without becoming unwell. However, it can cause meningitis or blood poisoning in some people.

Adrian Robson, of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said bacterial meningitis affected about 2,500 people in the UK every year. About one in ten will die and many will be left disabled.

He said it was vital that anyone showing signs of the illness should be seen by a health professional as soon as possible. The main symptoms are: fever, vomiting, severe head-ache, rapid breathing, stiff neck, cold hands and feet, dislike of bright lights, joint and muscle pain, rashes and bruising.

For more information, call The Meningitis Foundation helpline on 0808 800 3344.