Boy dies from meningitis

A Derbyshire teenager has died of suspected meningitis after falling ill over the summer holidays.

Will Sheppard, 17, from Duffield, who was a pupil at Ecclesbourne School, died on Sunday at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

Specialists from the Southern Derbyshire Health Authority are investigating the boy's death, but they say fellow pupils are not in danger.

The teenager had not been in school for six weeks because of the summer holidays.

It is thought he contracted the meningococcal strain of the disease.

Health officials say people who have been in close contact with the boy are being treated with antibiotics as a precaution.

A letter and information leaflet will be sent home with pupils when the school reopens.