PARENTS have been called to a North-East school after a five-year-old girl died from meningitis.

Laura Pickard, a pupil at Bader Primary School, Thornaby, died on Tuesday morning.

Parents of Laura's fellow-pupils were sent letters advising them of what signs to look for in their own children and what action to take if they suspected they had contracted meningitis.

Yesterday, parents were invited to the school for a talk by Tees Health communicable disease experts. They warned of the danger signs to look out for and how to check their own children's health.

Headteacher David Miller said that the school's deepest sympathy went to Laura's family.

"Everyone at the school, both staff and pupils, are very shocked and sad at this time," he said.

"This is a tragic situation where a little girl has been struck down by a powerful and devastating virus.

"We are a small school community - naturally, this is a very anxious time for parents and we are acting on advice from Tees Health Authority.

"A letter has gone out to parents with information on symptoms to be very aware of."

Laura's death is the second to meningitis in Thornaby in a month. Nursery nurse Helen Laing, 24, died on May 29.