Hope, the Hampshire-based medical research charity, has launched a Christmas appeal to boost its Hope for Healthy Babies campaign.

One of its targets is to find a vaccine for Meningitis B. But money for the project runs out at the end of December and the charity says it needs to raise £10,000 to keep the research team together.

"We have been promised £10,000 from a charitable trust if we can raise the same amount, so we urgently need help," said Ray Kipling, Hope director.

"We are writing to our supporters and appealing to the public, community groups and businesses. Most people think of charities at Christmas and what better than helping to stop the deaths of 150 children every year?

"This is a killer, often attacking young babies. Our scientists are a long way down the road to finding a new vaccine. They just need the money to continue their work. But if we cannot raise the cash, there is a danger this vital work will have to stop".

The research team is based at the University of Southampton. It is led by Professor John Heckels, an international expert on the disease.

Anybody wishing to help can contact Hope on 023 8033 3366.