A school has been forced to close after almost half of its pupils and staff fell victim to winter vomiting disease.

So far, 77 pupils and staff, including the school sister and catering manager, at Malsis School, Glusburn, have been struck down with the norovirus - the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis.

The school, which will reopen after half term on Tuesday, May 29, is now undergoing a thorough deep clean to wipe out the virus.

The first cases were reported towards the end of last week and the school consulted doctors and the Infection Control Department at Airedale General Hospital.

The school was advised to take a number of precautionary steps, including stopping any contact with other schools.

Headteacher Christopher Lush said: "I have decided to suspend the school and re-open on Tuesday, May 29, for boarders and Wednesday, May 30, for day children."