BLACKBURN with Darwen Council's children's boss has backed a call to parents to make sure their children heading off the university are aware of the dangers of meningitis.

With thousands of Lancashire students heading off to colleges across the UK, Cllr Maureen Bateson wants to ensure they can spot the potentially fatal disease.

The chief executive of charity Meningitis Now Dr Tom Nutt wants parents to get their children immunised.

He said: “It’s vital to be up to date with vaccinations but these won’t protect your child against all types of the disease. Make sure they know the signs and symptoms and that fast action saves lives."

Cllr Bateson said: "Thousands of local young people will be heading to uni next month.

"Parents should do all they can ensure their children are safe from this disease which is particularly prevalent among students."