Ambulance chiefs dispensed some sound advice this week on how to stay healthy and safe.

SCAS (South Central Ambulance Service) has published its Autumnaware campaign with the following advice: - Get your flu vaccinations up-to-date - Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables - Keep your repeat prescriptions up-to-date - Drivers should keep to the appropriate distance between vehicles on wet roads - Clean your windscreens - Check tyre treads - Pedestrians should wear bright clothing on dark nights.

Freshers have also been urged to get meningitis jab.

Students going to university and college for the first time have been advised to seek a booster jab for the meningitis C disease.

The warning to freshers comes because students mingling with other young people are at risk of contracting meningitis C. Many people unknowingly carry the bacteria.

Symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, a dislike of bright lights, vomiting and painful joints. Contact your GP for advice and to get the jab.