PUPILS at a Whalley school were receiving antibiotics today after two classmates were struck down with suspected meningitis.

The six-year-olds, a boy and a girl, who attend Whalley CE Primary School, were both said to be recovering well from the meningococcal septicaemia strain of the disease. The boy has been released from Blackburn Royal Infirmary, and the girl is "much better" and should be going home soon.

The other 24 pupils in the year two class are being given antibiotics to try and stop the bug spreading, but some parents were still keeping their children away from school today.

Headteacher Linda Roberts and public health bosses urged parents not to panic and to continue to send their children to school.

Mrs Roberts said: "Both children who suffered suspected meningitis are fine and the other children in the class are receiving a course of antibiotics.

"Letters have been sent to all parents describing the symptoms. The message I have had from the public health department is to ask parents to carry on sending their children to school as normal."

Both youngsters are receiving treatment at the children's medical ward at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn.

One worried parent, who did not want to be named, said: "There is no way I am putting my child at risk by sending her to school."

Dr Mark Smith, public health consultant for East Lancashire health Authority, said the pupils were recovering following "prompt action".

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