A FAMILY, struck by tragedy for the second time, laid their baby daughter to rest today as medical chiefs issued a meningitis warning.

Ten-month-old Chanelle Corbett-Barker, who died last Friday, July 13, at her home in Park Street, Tyldesley, is believed to have been a victim.

For little Chanelle's mother, Julie Barker, it was the second time she had to endure the horrific loss of a child.

In February, 1998, Julie's three-year-old daughter, Chloe Rigby, was tragically killed in a road accident on Shakerley estate.

Chanelle was the daughter of Julie Barker and Simon Corbett, and the sister of nine-year-old Dean Rigby-Barker.

Dean and Chloe's grandmother, Pauline Rigby, of Rutland Road, Tyldesley, was shocked and saddened to hear about the second blow to the family.

She said: "Although I'm not Chanelle's grandmother, I feel numbed for Dean. It was a huge shock for him and he's blocking it out as much as possible at the moment."

Chanelle's funeral was due to be held today at St George's Church, Tyldesley.

On the eve of her funeral, parents were warned to be vigilant by medical experts after details were released that the number of summer meningitis cases was on the increase.

The district's head of communicable diseases, Dr Robert Aston, confirmed yesterday that a case of meningitis had been reported in Tyldesley.

Dr Aston suggested parents should rely on their instincts if they feared their child was unwell.

He said: "The only way of diagnosis is by monitoring the child. In the early stages of meningitis, even doctors are unable to tell and by the time a purple rash appears, it may be too late.

"My advice is for parents to trust their instincts and if your child is ill and getting worse, tell your doctor you fear it may be meningitis."

Although most reports of the deadly disease occur during the winter, in recent years, more people have fallen victim to it during the warmer months.

Denise Vaughan, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said it was important people were aware of the risk and had information on the disease.

"Although most cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia occur in the winter, this disease does not disappear in the summer," she said.

"Also, over the last few years, cases of viral meningitis have increased during the summer months, so continued vigilance is important."

Meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease, can strike anyone of any age without warning, and can kill in hours.

During the last decade, cases in the UK rose to a 50-year high.

The Meningitis Research Foundation has just produced a 10-minute signs and symptoms video, featuring television's Dr Hilary Jones and comedian Norman Pace, who are also patrons of the charity.

It is aimed at parent groups such as mother and toddlers and it is hoped the new resource will save lives by encouraging faster recognition of the disease.

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include a rash, fever and vomiting, cold hands and feet and a stiff neck.

If you need advice, call the Foundation's 24-hour freephone hotline, 080 8800 3344. You can also find information on www.meningitis.org 'In the early stages of meningitis, even doctors are unable to tell and by the time a purple rash appears, it may be too late'