A UNIVERSITY is hoping to create a buzz with a health awareness campaign by handing out 2,000 fluffy toy bees to students.

The University of Teesside and its students' union are using the bees to drive home the message that students need to be vaccinated against the B strain of meningitis.

Aline Marron, health advisor at the Middlesbrough university, said many students wrongly believe that they are protected against the disease. "Even if they were part of the massive vaccination programme introduced in recent years, they are only protected against the C strain of meningitis," she said.

"Meningitis B accounts for the majority of meningococcal disease in the UK and as yet there is no available vaccine."

Students' Union welfare officer Catherine Pollock said: "It is very important to be aware that meningitis is a very dangerous disease. We hope the bees will help to get the message across in a fun way."

Students are urged to watch out for tell-tale signs, including vomiting, stiff neck, fever and drowsiness, and to seek medical help if they display these symptoms.