THOUSANDS of students at the University of Lancaster are being offered the MMR immunisation after cases of mumps across the North have gone through the roof.

So far this year, 371 cases have been reported in Lancashire, way up on figures for 2003. And health officials say most cases have involved people born between 1980 and 1991.

The mass inoculation of students in Lancaster began on Tuesday, and will carry on today (Thursday) as a precautionary measure following 16 reported cases - eight of whom have connections with the university.

Further drop-in clinics are being arranged for next week.

Dr Frank Atherton, director of public health for Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust, says: "Any student who did not have MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunisation as a child should seize this opportunity to do something about it now.

"MMR is a safe, proven and effective vaccine that offers lifelong protection against a range of serious diseases.

"There is a lot of mumps about and we are determined to prevent the further spread of infection within our student population."

Mumps is an infectious viral disease. It can have serious complications including a mild form of meningitis, ear infections, inflammation of the pancreas, swelling of the testicles in adult men and inflammation of the ovaries in women.

Anyone who suspects that he or she may have mumps is urged to avoid contact with other people and seek medical advice, either by contacting a GP or by calling NHS Direct, the 24-hour advice and health information service, on 0845-4647.