A NASTY food poisoning bug has reached an all-time high in the district with students at Lancaster University the most prone to infection, claims a new report.

The local health authority has revealed that there were 522 cases of the food poisoning bug "campylobacter" last year in the Morecambe Bay area.

And the majority of cases were students based at the university's Bailrigg campus.

Public Health consultant, John Astbury said: "It highlights the need for people to be careful when handling, cooking and eating food. Food should be thoroughly cooked. Reheating can be risky. Uncooked and cooked meat should be carefully segregated and people working in kitchens should regularly make sure they wash and dry their hands."

University Pro-Vice Chancellor with responsibility for student affairs Alan Whitaker would only state: "We take information like this every seriously and endeavour to keep high standards in food outlets on campus, we urge students to take care when choosing restaurants and in the preparation of food."

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