Keighley schools and parents are being urged to remind children about the importance of hand washing.

The plea has been issued by district health chiefs following youngsters’ return to the classroom after the festive holidays.

Illnesses spread via hands include sickness, diarrhoea and colds, as well as norovirus – the winter vomiting bug.

“Washing hands frequently during the day with hot water and soap can reduce these infections from being passed around,” said Dr Andy Withers, clinical chairman of Bradford Districts CCG.