A SECONDARY school has been closed for two days following an outbreak of norovirus.

More than 150 students – plus staff – at Parkside School, Cullingworth, have gone down with the bug.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach upset that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The school describes the outbreak as "serious".

It says more than 15 per cent of its population has fallen ill and the closure decision, which took effect at the end of the school day this afternoon, was made following consultation with Public Health England.

"This is in order for the school to undergo a deep clean and rid ourselves fully/break the cycle of the virus," said headteacher, Andy Taylor.

"We apologise for the inconvenience, but the health and wellbeing of everyone is a paramount concern for us."

Parents of any child who becomes ill with the virus over the next few days is advised to keep them isolated and not to visit A&E or their GP, which could spread it.

Whilst the virus can be unpleasant, it usually goes away in about two days.

The school will reopen on Thursday morning.