PUPILS at a Trowbridge School hit by a potentially deadly bug were back at their desks this week.

Legionella bacteria, which causes legionnaires disease, was found in the hot-water system at the John of Gaunt School and the affected area has been closed off.

Headteacher Jim Dourneen, has assured parents that it is safe for their children to be at the school.

He said: "I would like to reassure parents that we have taken all the necessary precautions to help ensure the safety of their children.

"If this were not the case I would not hesitate to keep the school closed.

"As always at the John of Gaunt School, the health and safety of our young people is of the highest priority."

The bacteria were first discovered in the hot water system in the Gloucester block in July. It was disinfected but tests last week revealed it was still present in small amounts.

A spokesman for Wiltshire County Council said: "Further tests have been carried out and the results are expected in about a weeks time. In the meantime the shower block remains closed." He said that once tests show the system is clear a thorough risk assessment of the whole school will be carried out.

Legionnaires disease causes flu-like symptoms and, although most people who contract the disease make a full recovery, it is fatal in between five to 15 per cent of cases.

The disease is usually caught through inhaling infected water particles, which are spread through central heating systems, although it can be caught by drinking infected water.

No-one at the school has been infected by the disease and public health experts have advised that it is safe for the pupils to return to their classes.