School closed after bug outbreak

A primary school in West Sussex is closed after as many as 100 children contracted viral gastroenteritis.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven school, in Langley Green, Crawley, has had children suffering from fever, tiredness, sickness and diarrhoea.

The decision to close was made when the spread of the bug did not slow down.

The school hopes to reopen on Monday, but affected pupils must stay away until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

Head teacher Vince Buerk said the number of parents phoning the school to say their children were off sick rose steadily throughout Monday and Tuesday.

"We started then to take advice about closure," said Mr Buerk.

A statement on the school's website said: "We hope that your family manages to avoid this outbreak and look forward to welcoming all the children back to school next week."