THE mum of an 11-year-old boy whose life was claimed by meningitis is lending her full support to a novel new way of raising awareness about the symptoms of the disease.

As part of its 2005 student awareness campaign, the Meningitis Trust has launched packs of eye catching, brightly coloured beer mats stamped with fun and provocative slogans.

Featuring messages which highlight the lesser-known symptoms of the fatal disease ,like a dislike of bright lights, 'I like it better with the lights off', a fever, 'Is it hot in here or just me?' and a stiff neck, 'feeling a bit stiff, are you?' the beer mats are the latest weapon in the war on meningitis.

Adam Doughty was 11 when he was struck down by a fatal strain of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in November 2003.

He was taken to Warrington Hospital and then Pendlebury Children's Hospital in Manchester, battling for his life for six days before dying in his mum's arms.

Since his death, his mum and dad, Alyson and Ray, have channelled their grief into raising awareness of the disease and aim to save as many lives as possible by encouraging early recognition of the symptoms.

Alyson said: "The idea is that the messages will spark curiosity and pub patrons will be intrigued enough to turn them over and read about the symptoms of meningitis.

"So much emphasis is placed on the rash with meningitis but it's not the only symptom and it could be the last to appear or not appear at all and by then it could be too late.

"It's vital that people know what other symptoms to look out for so that they can take action and save lives and to remind people that meningitis doesn't just affect children and teenagers."

If you want to use the beer mats in your pub, bar or student union, contact Jane Denley on 01453 769025.