HUNDREDS of pupils from a Bournemouth primary school remain at home today after it was closed due to "a prolonged period of student sickness."

Parents of children who attend St Katharine's Primary at Hengistbury Head were informed yesterday that the school will be out of bounds until tomorrow following a deep clean which was undertaken over the weekend.

The school, in Rolls Drive, asked parents to collect their children "immediately" on Friday after senior staff took advice from Public Health England.

The number of pupils affected has not been revealed.

An official statement released by the school on Friday said the situation was being monitored and that further advice would be taken as necessary.

One parent told the Daily Echo: "We are pleased that staff at the school took action as quickly as they did to prevent more children from becoming ill."