A PRIMARY school has announced it will be closed tomorrow following 'a significant number of children falling ill'.

St Mark's Primary School, in Stockton, will shut for one day to carry out an 'environmental clean' tomorrow, November 14, after a large number children were being called in sick with virus-like symptoms.

The school said it came to the decision after having a consultation with the Department of Health.

In a statement, the school said: "Due to a significant number of children falling ill, it has been decided that St. Mark’s C of E Primary School (which includes nursery) will be closed for an environmental clean on Thursday November 14, 2019.

"Any payment already made for Breakfast Club and After School Club for tomorrow will be refunded. Children should return to school as normal on Friday November 15, 2019."

Following the announcement, Public Health England issued advice for parents with children showing flu symptoms.

A spokesperson said: "Viruses including influenza (flu) and norovirus can present with respiratory symptoms, fever and vomiting and are a common cause of illness at this time of year in the community and in schools.

"Your child should not attend school if they have symptoms of flu and should only return once they have recovered.

"The flu vaccine is the best form of protection we have, it reduces the risk of catching flu and spreading it to others and is available every flu season for at-risk groups and primary school children.

"The spread of most infectious illnesses is reduced through good hand hygiene. Please encourage your child to wash their hands frequently with warm water and soap, particularly after using the toilet, after using a tissue to catch a cough or sneeze, and before eating."