Swine flu cuts short school trip

An outbreak of swine flu has forced the early return to Luton of a group of students and teachers who were on a school trip to France.

The group of 62 pupils and nine staff from Lea Manor High School were in Normandy when six of them fell ill.

A school spokeswoman said they decided to return after talks with French doctors. The party was asked to wear masks after the cases were confirmed.

The four pupils and two staff affected are said to have recovered quickly.

Head teacher Christine Lenihan sent a letter to parents on Tuesday to say the French trip had been cut short.

'Behaved well'

Local education authority Luton Borough Council said the six became ill towards the end of the trip.

"Swine flu was confirmed and those affected received Tamiflu, stayed in their hotel rooms and began to feel better remarkably quickly," it said in a statement.

"The party were happy to wear masks as requested by the French medics, in line with their procedures."

It is understood the school party decided at about 1700 BST on Monday it would be sensible to return to England.

A school spokeswoman said: "We are very proud of both our teachers and pupils who all behaved so well throughout this situation.

"We are pleased to say that everyone affected by the virus is now feeling much better, and there have been no new cases as far as we are aware."

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