An outbreak of slapped cheek syndrome has hit a primary school in Clevedon.

Since last week about 10 children have been kept away from school after picking up the illness, which causes a bright red rash on one or both cheeks.

Text messages have been sent to parents warning them about the virus which has affected year one pupils and children in higher year groups.

A school spokesman said: “As long as the rash is out and the children are well in themselves then they can come into school.”

The virus also causes a high temperature but is usually not infectious when the rash appears.