A mass vaccine programme against the potentially fatal brain disease Meningitis C has been a major success in Sussex.

There has been a sharp fall in the number of cases in the county since the launch of a national programme in November 1999.

There were fewer than 50 people of all ages affected in 2000 compared with 134 in 1999.

And in the Brighton, Hove and Lewes area there were eight reported cases in 2000 compared to 21 the year before.

Both East Sussex Brighton and Hove and West Sussex health authorities said today the programme had been extremely successful.

But health officials warned the vaccination did not protect people against the B strain of the disease so people should still be on the look out for early symptoms.

The last child to contract the C strain of the disease was back in August and this was because the youngster had missed the vaccination programme.

Thousands of children in schools and colleges across the county were vaccinated and special clinics were held for teenagers between 16 and 18 who had left school.

Toddlers and babies were immunised at special GP surgeries to ensure the fight against the disease is a success.

A final round of clinics are being held in Brighton, Hove, Lewes and Newhaven later this month for anyone who has missed out.

From now on all parents will be given the option of having their babies vaccinated against the disease at two months.

The Department of Health announced today the lives of at least 25 babies, children and young people have been saved nationally as a result of the programme.

There has been a 90% reduction of cases in 15 to 17 year olds, with five cases reported last year, compared with 50 cases the year before.

Instances of babies under a year old suffering meningitis C have decreased by 82 per cent.

Julia Warren from the Meningitis Research Foundation, said the virtual wiping out of meningitis C was "wonderful news."

She said: "We are absolutely delighted. The only thing that we would say is that we still have a long way to go in protecting babies, children and young people in this country.

"Everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms of the disease because there are other forms of meningitis and septicaemia for which there are no vaccines available."

The mass vaccination campaign against meningitis C focused initially on babies and older teenagers as the greatest danger group.

Since then 18 million vaccines have been given across the age groups.

Symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal disease in babies include a high temperature, vomiting, a blotchy complexion, high moaning cry and floppiness.

The rash that develops with septicaemia will not fade when a glass is pressed firmly against it.