PARENTS of youngsters at Ringwood School have been reassured following news one of its pupils is recovering from meningitis.

A letter was sent to parents at the end of last week detailing symptoms of the disease to be on the lookout following one confirmed case and another suspected case of the disease over the Christmas holidays.

Head teacher Chris Edwards said one pupil had been treated for meningococcal meningitis a week after the school broke up for Christmas and was expected to return to school next week.

His younger brother, also a pupil at the school, is believed to be recovering after potentially catching the disease.

Neither had returned to school after the Christmas break.

Miss Edwards said: “At the end of the day this is a family matter rather than a school issue.

“But whenever there is a case we are always asked by the local health authority to issue advice to parents.”

She confirmed that both boys were senior students.

She added: “Parents have been great. They have been very sensible about it.

“There is only one confirmed case although both as far as I am aware have been in hospital at some point.

“However, we do not have any issues in school.”

David Light, community development co-ordinator for the Meningitis Trust in Hampshire, said their thoughts were with the family and that they hoped the pupils would “go on to make a good recovery.”

He added: “At the Meningitis Trust, we are constantly reminded how devastating meningitis can be, changing people’s lives in an instant.

“Although secondary cases are rare, we are urging everyone in the area to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, as it can strike in minutes and kill within hours.

“If people are concerned about their own, or someone else’s health, they must seek medical attention immediately.”