A HOSPITAL has closed three wards to new admissions after an outbreak of a vomiting and diarrhoea bug.

Bosses at Harrogate District Hospital, took the decision to close the wards after more than 50 people, patinets and visitors, developed viral gastroenteritis.

A hospital spokeswoman said there had been a number of cases of the illness since October, but the situation had become more serious in the past few days. More than 40 patients and 12 members of staff have developed the virus.

A number of visitors have also contracted the bug, commonly known as winter vomiting disease.

Strict control measures have been put in place and all relatives and staff have to wash their hands before and after visits to infected wards.