More than 90 pupils sick at Leicestershire school

A Leicestershire primary school has been hit by an "unprecedented" number of illnesses, including a winter vomiting bug.

Becky James, head teacher of St Bartholomew's in Quorn Village, said 96 children were off sick due to a virus, as well as colds and chicken pox.

A small number of teachers have also been affected.

The 362-pupil school's previous record for absences was about three times lower, during cold weather in 2009.

Ms James said: "We started off on the very first day with 26 children being absent, we now have as many as 96.

"I've been here 20 years and during that time the highest number we've ever had is about 28 away, and that's when we had the severe weather conditions last year.

"At the moment the coughs, colds and flu are getting to everybody, staff included.

"The children are obviously still carrying on with their lessons and all the other activities including our Christmas talent show and our Christmas key stage one and foundation stage performance of the nativity."