College reopens after swine flu

Pupils have returned to a community college in Devon after it was closed for nearly a fortnight by a case of swine flu.

A 12-year-old girl had attended Paignton Community and Sports College for two days following a trip to Mexico, unaware she had the virus.

Her teachers and year group were all given anti-viral drugs as a precaution and a local NHS helpline was set up.

NHS managers said they were continuing to monitor the situation.

The school, which has more than 1,900 pupils, was closed on 30 April after the year seven girl was confirmed as having the virus. She also returned to school on Monday.

Anti-viral treatments

Three hundred and forty courses of anti-viral treatment were given to pupils and staff who requested them.

Exam boards said they were to make allowances for students taking GCSEs and A-levels to take account of the anxiety and disruption students have suffered.

NHS managers said they were optimistic the girl had not infected anyone else but added they were to continue to monitor for further cases.

The school was closed on 30 April as a precaution

The acting director of public health for Torbay, Debbie Stark, said: "There is no room for complacency and we will continue to monitor the local situation closely."

College principal Jane English said the reopening of the college was a "great day".

She said: "It's really great to welcome our students back to the college."

She added that health officials were also on site in the morning to help advise students and explain why the college was shut.

Ms English said: "We've been very well supported through the whole process and it was a nice opportunity to say thanks to the health professionals and how they supported the college.

"Without them, it might not have been such a smooth process."

Ms English said that staff were volunteering to hold extra lessons over half term to help GCSE and A-level students catch up with any missed work.

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