STUDENTS from four more Dorset schools are isolating after confirmed Covid cases.

Pupils from St Mary's Middle School in Puddletown, Wimborne First School, St Andrew's Church of England Primary School in Yetminster and Sherborne Abbey Primary School are isolating after cases of coronavirus were found within the schools.

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School and Sherborne Abbey Primary School both fall under the Sherborne Area School's Trust. A spokeswoman for the trust said: "There have been a small number of positive cases which have resulted in some students having to self-isolate. We always take advice from Public Health England (PHE) and follow Department for Education and PHE guidance.

"Parents and close contacts have been informed, and our staff are working hard to ensure our schools are kept as Covid-secure as possible. We share the frustration of both students and parents at this time and look forward to receiving updated guidance from the government by July 19 or sooner, to ensure we can continue to deliver the excellent education local children deserve."

Sam Crowe, director of public health for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole councils said: "We are aware that a number of schools in Dorset have received confirmed cases of Covid-19. These schools are working closely with Public Health Dorset, Dorset Council and Public Health England South West to ensure that all necessary measures are being met.

"All close contacts of the confirmed cases have been notified and need to self-isolate for 10 days. Contacts of the confirmed cases should get a PCR test. Even if people test negative, they must still self-isolate for 10 days."