Teenager dies from meningitis

Sarah Hayes was at Paignton College until the summer

A teenage girl from south Devon has died from meningitis.

Sarah Hayes, 16, from Headland Park Road in Paignton, died on Friday.

Tests have indicated she was suffering from a Group B meningococcal disease.

The girl's family and friends have been contacted by health officials and offered antibiotics.

Close contact

A South and West Devon Health Authority spokesman confirmed the cause of Miss Hayes' death.

He said: "We have taken the usual procedures by contacting those who have been in close contact with the person concerned.

"Advice and medication has been given as necessary."

The meningitis bacteria is carried in the throats of about 10% of the adult population.

But teenagers are more vulnerable, with between 18% and 25% of them carrying the bacteria.