Keighley grandparents are being urged to get clued up on the early signs of meningitis.

The plea, by the Meningitis Trust, comes as figures show that increasing numbers are providing childcare for their grandchildren.

And the message was issued to coincide with Grandparents’ Day, on Sunday.

The Meningitis Trust said it was keen to work with older people as they fell into one of the most at-risk age categories, along with babies and under-fives.

Sue Davie, the trust’s chief executive, added: “Three children a week can die from the deadly bacterial meningitis, which can kill in just hours if the symptoms go unrecognised. Grandparents need to be vigilant in spotting the early signs of the disease, which often starts off like flu and is usually more prevalent during the cold winter months.

“In the case of babies and toddlers warning signs include refusing food, vomiting and becoming floppy and unresponsive. Parents and grandparents need to act quickly if they are worried about their children.”

For more about the signs and symptoms of meningitis, visit meningitis-trust.org, phone 0808 80 10 388 or download a free app at meningitisapp.co.uk.