A mum whose son died from meningitis seven years ago has called for a potentially lifesaving vaccination to be made available for free.

Alfie Critchley died just days before his first birthday from meningoccal septicaemia, after falling ill suddenly in March 2007.

Calls have been made for Bexsero, a revolutionary jab which protects against meningitis B, to be provided for free on the NHS.

But the provider of healthcare in Essex says it will only become a routine treatment if the Government can secure it “at a low cost”.

Alfie’s mother, Katie Critchley, 34, of Earls Colne, said: “It is terrible and it should be made available no matter what."