STAFF at Stockton Heath Pharmacy are reminding parents to keep vigilant about head lice after the start of a new school year.

Enda Bradley, manager at Stockton Heath Pharmacy, said: “It’s really important for parents with school-age children to be aware of the risk of head lice. They are extremely contagious and, quite often, will go unnoticed and undetected for at least a month.

“We offer a range of products for head lice prevention and treatment, and can advise on how best to use them to eradicate the lice and eggs.”

The pharmacy, based at Stockton Heath Medical Centre, in The Forge, offers help without an appointment.