A Leominster family has been shattered by the sudden tragic death of their baby boy while on holiday.

Little Phillip Alan Stephen Collins, who was aged 17 months, died at West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen on Friday, last week.

Phillip was the son of Anna-Louise and Peter Gregory and the little brother of Callum.

The cause of his death has been given as suspected meningitis.

Tests are still being carried out and close members of the family have been treated with antibiotics.

It is understood the family were on holiday when the baby became unwell with the symptoms of a temperature and a rash. He was taken to hospital almost immediately but died a few hours later.

The funeral service for Phillip will take place at Hereford Crematorium tomorrow, Friday at 2pm.

Disease control

There will be family flowers only but donations for the Meningitis Trust can be sent to R.W.Mann & Son at 51, West Street, Leominster.

Dr Mac Walapu, consultant in communicable disease control with the National Public Health Service for Wales, has described the baby's death as a tragic event, saying their thoughts were with his family and friends.

He said meningitis was a relatively rare condition but there were warning symptoms to look for.

These included fever, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, back and joint pain, aversion to light and a rash of pinprick red bruises, which remained red when touched.

"Some of these symptoms are flu-like but if you have taken over-the-counter remedies to ease them and they persist, then consult your GP.

"However if you have a stiff neck, sensitivity to light and, or rash, you should seek urgent medical attention,'' said Dr Walapu.