A school was forced to shut yesterday over fears of a "Norovirus Outbreak" after 70 pupils and staff were struck down with the winter vomiting bug.

Birchensale Middle School in Redditch, Worcs, was closed while a deep clean took place throughout the premises.

The school, which caters for 413 pupils aged nine to 13, is expected to re-open on Monday.

Symptoms of the outbreak include vomiting and diarrhoea and it spreads rapidly. continue reading...

A statement on the school's website read: "This decision has been taken due to an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community, which has affected the school.

"This decision has been made with the local authority.

"We are sorry to make this decision, but currently there are over 70 seventy pupils and half of the staff ill.

"The health and safety of our staff and pupils continue to be of the utmost importance."

Parents have been issued with advice to help reduce the spread of infection.

The advisory note said: "This letter is to advise you of the diarrhoea and vomiting illness which is present in the community at this time of the year and what you can do to reduce the spread of the infection.

"Norovirus is commonly known as winter vomiting disease and occurs commonly in the community and in schools and nurseries in particular at this time of the year."

The school received a 'good' status by Ofsted last December.