A couple whose baby died of a rare infection have praised Coronation Street for its handling of the issue, writes Victoria Owen.

Tanya and Jose Inacio, of Hastings Road, Banbury, lost son Jake to the Group B Streptococcus infection.

Millions of viewers saw the Street's Alison Webster take her own life after her child also called Jake died of the same illness. Tanya, who now has a second child, 15-month-old Luis, said: "It did bring back very poignant memories for me. But I think the Coronation Street story is a good idea. I doubt 99 per cent of the audience knew what Strep B was until the programme was shown."

The bacterial infection can cause septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis in new-born babies. Those who survive are often left mentally or physically handicapped, but the condition proves fatal in 15 per cent of cases. The Inacios said the on-screen emotions reflected the sadness they felt when their Jake died 18 days after he was born.

HGV driver Jose, 30, said: "Because he had been at home with us for more than two weeks the house was full of his things. It was as though our lives stopped and we gave up for a while. We realised we had to pull ourselves together again." Jake Inacio was born on March 21, 1998, after a healthy pregnancy, and his parents took him home. Tanya, 33, said: "After 16 days he started crying during the night. I was told he probably had a tummy ache and I should bath him and put him to bed.

"He went to sleep, but in the morning I couldn't wake him and his eyes were fluttering around.'' After a home visit from the GP, Jake was sent to the Horton Hospital, Banbury, before making the journey to Oxford's John Radcliffe for special care.

"He had an oxygen mask over his head, which was swollen. I often thought it was my fault and felt a lot of guilt.

I wanted a baby straight away to make up for it, said Tanya.

The Inacios were offered comfort and support by charity, Strep B Support. But Tanya said the pain would never go away, even though she now spends her time rushing around after Luis.