Students are being offered a vaccination against mumps

More than 20,000 students are being offered the MMR jab to combat the illness which causes swollen glands.

In the north-east of England 14 cases a week were being reported in October with most patients aged between 15 and 24-years of age.

The sessions are taking place at Newcastle University on Monday and at Northumbria University on Tuesday.

The Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination was only introduced in 1988 for young children, so many students will not have received the jab and be protected against the illness.

Tender glands

Dr Nicol Black, consultant in communicable disease control based at Newcastle General Hospital, said: "Local monitoring of disease has shown rises in levels in students at both universities.

"As a consequence, we are advising that all undergraduates who have not had two doses of MMR vaccine should now consider being immunised.

"Even if you think you have had mumps clinically, you should still consider being immunised."

Patients with mumps can be ill for several weeks. Symptoms include swollen, tender glands, loss of appetite and fever.

Anyone who develops these symptoms should consult their GP immediately, as complications, although rare, can occur.

The free students clinics are being held on Monday in the Ballroom, Kings Road, Newcastle University, from 0900 to 1700 GMT and on Tuesday in Rutherford Hall, Ellison Building, Northumbria University at the same times.