THE principal of an East Lancashire college today reassured staff and students that there was no need to panic about the killer bug meningitis in the wake of a 17-year-old student's death.

Blackburn College principal Sheena Ewing stressed that medical authorities had advised the centre there was no risk to other staff or students.

And she welcomed the government's approach to dealing with the killer bug which ensures that all young people will have the opportunity to be vaccinated in due course.

Her reassurance comes after the death of Lucia Ferguson, a student on a B-TEC First Diploma course in public service at the college.

Lucia, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, died last week in Blackburn Royal Infirmary within hours of showing symptoms of the disease.

Her heartbroken dad Danny has called for everyone to be vaccinated against meningitis as a matter of course.

Ms Ewing expressed her sympathy to Lucia's family and friends and revealed she had written to them personally this week.

Students, staff and families concerned about the disease should contact student services on 01254 292929 for further advice.

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