STUDENTS at a training centre have been warned about the symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia, after the death of an 18-year old man from the

illness.

Robert Bannerman, from Huntly, took ill on Wednesday and was seen at Jubilee Hospital in Moray, but died after being sent by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

A spokesman for Grampian Health Board said letters had been given to all students and staff at the Balloch Trust explaining the possible symptoms of meningococcal infection and what action needed to be taken.

Wilma Robertston, general manager of the Balloch Trust, said: ''He will be sadly missed by colleagues and staff.

''Staff at the trust are too distressed to make any further statements.''

Meningococcal septicaemia is a type of blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria which cause the most common form of bacterial meningitis. It is the more life-threatening form of the disease.