WEYMOUTH Town Bridge shone a light on a devastating brain condition.

Last night the bridge turned red to support World Encephalitis Day and raise awareness of the condition, an inflammation of the brain.

The condition affects 500,000 people globally each year.

The awareness day was backed by Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

As reported in the Echo last week, three-year-old Olivia Briers, from the town, has suffered from the condition.

The campaign, led by the Encephalitis Society, saw world-famous landmarks go red, including Niagara Falls, the fountains of Trafalgar Square, The Millennium Bridge in Newcastle and Blackpool Tower.

Supporters of World Encephalitis Day were also being asked to wear items of red clothing on 22 February and share them on social media using the hashtag, #RED- 4WED.

Councillor Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The Weymouth and Portland community has a reputation for generosity and for reaching out to others in need and are pleased to help with raising awareness of this devastating condition by joining other significant sites throughout the world in illuminating the bridge.”

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “World Encephalitis Day is the most important day of the year for people who have been affected.

“It is the day when we all come together to make as much noise as possible about the condition so we can educate the public and health professionals.

In the UK alone, encephalitis affects 6,000 people annually - more than certain types of meningitis and motor neurone disease.

Survivors are often left with an acquired brain injury, meaning a return to work or education can be difficult.

Encephalitis can affect abilities such as concentration, attention, thinking, memory and judgement.

For more information, visit www.worldencephalitisday.org