Extra precautions have been put in place in a school in North Ayrshire in relation to pupils suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms known as Norovirus.

The NHS and North Ayrshire Council are working closely with West Kilbride Primary following the outbreak.

The illness has already resulted in a public event in the village being cancelled until further notice due to the extent of the outbreak.

Rachel Cloke, consultant in public health said: "NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Health Protection Team and North Ayrshire Council are working closely with a primary school in North Ayrshire where a number of children have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.

"In order to keep pupils and staff safe, the school has undergone a deep clean. Further deep cleaning will take place over the next few days.

"This is likely to be caused by a viral infection, such as Norovirus. Viral infections can spread very easily. However, symptoms are usually mild and last 24 to 48 hours.

"There is usually no need to see your GP. However, if your child has developed symptoms which are not settling; are very severe; or if there is blood in the stool, please contact your GP or call NHS24 on 111.

"Careful hand washing before eating or preparing food and after being at the toilet is very important to limit the risk of spread.

"In addition, any person, teacher or pupil, who has symptoms should stay off school, and not return to the school until they have had no symptoms for a period of 48 hours."