A CONTROVERSIAL clinic offering separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella returns to the region this weekend.

The clinic, which has made national headlines because of the continuing debate about the safety of the MMR triple vaccine, is holding another session tomorrow to cope with demand.

Although it is fully booked, the organisers say they are considering putting on an additional clinic to fit everyone in.

Parents in the North-East have jammed phonelines since Direct Health 2000 announced two months ago that it was coming to the North-East

So many people want separate injections for their children that all the 400 places at the first clinic, in Darlington, were quickly snapped up.

Now a second clinic for 400 children is being held in the town.

Last night, Direct Health 2000 spokeswoman Kathryn Durnford said a third clinic was "a possibility, if demand continues to grow".

The Department of Health has urged parents to ignore the scare stories that MMR can cause autism and bowel disease.

Top medical experts have repeatedly stated that the widely-used triple vaccine is safe and effective.

There have been warnings that parents who give their children separate injections may expose youngsters to a higher risk of catching measles and increase the chance of an outbreak.

But Ms Durnford said: "The demand for single vaccinations clearly shows that parents in the North-East have lost faith with this Government's vaccination programme."

The clinics are being held at the private Woodlands Hospital in Darlington.

There are plans to open a permanent clinic in the region to meet the strong demand.

"We have had the strongest response from the North-East," said Ms Durnford.

Parents wanting more information about Direct Health 2000 clinics can contact 0870 443 7070.