Many young people have missed the MMR jab

More than 300 people in North Nottinghamshire caught the disease over the past four months - the average is just 12 per year.

Around 13,000 people in the Mansfield and Ashfield area have already been vaccinated, but medical experts say many more still need the MMR jab.

People aged 17 to 24 are being urged to have the vaccination.

Important disease

Mumps causes flu-like symptoms and swelling of the glands, but occasionally can lead to more serious problems, including meningitis.

Chris Kenny, director of public health said people who missed out on the vaccination programme may be susceptible to mumps.

"We are concerned because people in the 17 to 24 age group missed out on the original MMR programme, which started in 1988.

"We're trying to do our very best to ensure those people are vaccinated against this important disease."

Two vaccination sessions are being held on 12 June at Idlewells shopping centre in Sutton and Mansfield library.