The school clean-up started on Saturday

About 120 pupils at the Woodlands Park Primary School in Ivybridge, around half of the children there, are off sick as a result of the Norwalk virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Environmental health workers started a big clean-up of the school on Saturday.

Tests at the school are being carried out and it will remain closed on Tuesday while extra cleaning takes place.

Closure 'appropriate'

Last Thursday, 55 children were taken ill with the virus. By Friday, that had increased to 120, plus six staff.

The dramatic spread of the virus forced teachers to close the school and more than 300 children have been told to stay at home.

Dr Harvey Gamble of the Health Protection Unit said: "This virus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.

"It's entirely appropriate that the school has been closed for cleaning because it can spread from surfaces and be easily picked up from hand to mouth."

Health experts say outbreaks of the norwalk virus remain infectious for 48 hours.