A York couple whose baby died of meningitis today helped launch a national campaign to alert people to the dangers of the killer disease.

Carole and Ian Eshelby, of Dringhouses, lost 20-month-old Kenny to meningitis and septicaemia last year. Despite their sadness, they are helping to spearhead Baby Watch, the biggest campaign ever launched into raising awareness of meningitis.

Carole said: "My son, Kenny, contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia, and he tragically died.

"I know how this disease can devastate a family, which is why I'm supporting this campaign.

"It's vital that people are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, as quick diagnosis and treatment are essential."

The campaign was being launched by the Meningitis Research Association because of the increase in deaths from the disease during the autumn and winter months.

The campaign focuses on the symptoms of meningitis, many of which are commonly missed by parents. It urges them to trust their instincts when their child is ill.

Carole said: "If you think there is something wrong with your child, then get it checked out as soon as possible.

"The nurses and doctors at Leeds and York hospitals knew exactly what they were doing. and fought really hard for Kenny.

"It is vital that you get medical attention immediately. That short period of time can make all the difference."

Julia Warren, of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "There is a high increase in deaths of meningitis and septicaemia, and babies are particularly at risk because they are unable to say how ill they feel.

"We are really keen for as many people as possible to know the symptoms of meningitis. Three babies' lives have already been saved because of our award winning leaflet showing the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia."

The key to the campaign is a leaflet detailing the symptoms of meningitis. It uses a diagram of a baby to show where the telltale signs of meningitis materialise.

The leaflet will be openly available on the Internet, and is specially geared towards helping social services staff and other community workers, as well as parents.

Written in a clear and concise style, the leaflet has been into nine different languages including Arabic, Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese, as well as English. Copies can be found on the foundation's website at www.meningitis.org

Carole added: "If this campaign can save even one baby's life, it will have done its work."

Last November, a massive immunisation programme was launched across North Yorkshire to vaccinate about 160,000 children and teenagers against meningitis C.

The disease in adult form is a particular source of concern to universities. New students at York will be alerted to its dangers as the new academic year opens in a few weeks' time.

Over 90 per cent of first year students had the vaccination last year, the highest rate in the country, said spokeswoman Hilary Layton.

She added the university, which had seen several outbreaks of the disease down the years, had a meningitis communications campaign which had been running for some time.

For more details on meningitis, there is a free 24-hour Helpline on 0808 800 3344.