Meningitis vaccine for 14,000 children

Up to 14,000 children aged between 2 and 18 are being offered immunisation against meningitis after the death of a boy, 17, from the disease.

The vaccination is being made available in parts of north Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire after several cases which are thought to be linked. The teenager died in Rotherham and there have been two cases of illness reported in Retford.

A spokesman for North Nottinghamshire Health Authority confirmed last night that it was offering immunisation and had set up a helpline to be open between 8am and 5pm today on 01623 672212.