ONE-third of children who survive meningitis will be left with long-term conditions, new research suggests.

One in three youngsters who are treated for the disease will suffer after-effects including mental health problems, epilepsy and learning difficulties.

One in five children will have anxiety or behavioural disorders, while young survivors are five times more likely to have speech problems, according to research from University College London.

Sue Davie, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust, said: "The hidden, yet devastating after-effects of meningitis can often be dismissed.

"We hope the new findings will encourage education and health professionals to recognise these, as well as the noticeable physical after-effects."