THE Meningitis Research Foundation is calling on the people of Bolton to help combat life-threatening diseases which can kill in hours.

Charity representatives are appealing to people to help them raise money to continue funding research into and promoting awareness of meningitis.

Hundreds of people die each year from meningitis and septicaemia -- mostly among babies, children and young adults.

People who want to help can do anything from donate money to organise a sponsored parachute jump.

For more details, call 01454 281814.