A BRIDPORT couple whose six-month-old granddaughter died of meningitis collected around £360 at a coffee morning to help fight the disease.

Peter and Rose Hime held the event in memory of baby Eve at their home at Polly's B and B in West Allington to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust.

Eve died while her family were living in Kenya some three years ago. She had contracted the streptococcus pneumonia strain of the disease - the most aggressive form of meningitis.

The coffee morning proved such a success - with money still coming in through donations - that the Himes are already planning to hold another.

Meanwhile, the Meningitis Trust issued fresh warnings to parents to be alert for the disease and seek help before it is too late.

People who suspect meningitis will often wait for a rash to appear before calling a doctor - and this extra waiting time can lead to tragedy, they have warned.

Trust your instincts, is the message.

The early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include fever, vomiting, headache and drowsiness.

Experts say it is important to note these symptoms may not all appear at once and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a severe headache, stiff neck and dislike of bright lights.

Anyone who wants to know more about meningitis should call the Trust's 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0845 6000 800 or visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.org