Bug forces school to close

About 300 pupils attend Birchwood CE Primary School

A school is closed after 150 pupils and 15 staff were struck down with gastroenteritis.

Birchwood Primary School in Warrington, Cheshire, and an attached community centre are being inspected by health workers.

The kitchen and toilets have been ruled out as a possible source of infection.

The school is closed on Friday to stop the viral infection spreading.

The school is shut for one day

Headteacher Sean Duffy said: "With the large number of children and teachers involved, and to prevent the threat of further infection, we have taken the decision to close the school for one day.

"We are working with parents, the LEA and other agencies to deal with this problem as soon as possible."

The school has 300 pupils, including nursery-age children.

Birchwood is expected to re-open on Monday.