People are being urged to protect themselves against flu after a primary school shut due to a "serious" virus outbreak.

Portesham Primary School is closed until Monday (21) for a deep clean following an outbreak of what is thought to be a flu type virus.

The school made the announcement on Monday.

Yesterday, the school's board of governors said: "As a matter of precaution, it was decided to close Portesham CE VA Primary School for the rest of this week due to a strain of flu which seems to be prevalent and spreading extremely quickly.

"The decision was made as a precaution to try to contain it and not spread it.

"The health of our children and staff must be our number one priority. Following advice from Public Health England, it has been decided to remain closed for the rest of this week.

"Whilst shut, the school will undergo a thorough deep clean. School will open as normal on Monday 21st January."

People are being advised on how to protect themselves against the virus.

Dr Fiona Neely, Public Health England consultant in health protection said: "Our latest figures show that seasonal flu is circulating in communities but remains at low levels.

"The best form of protection against flu is to get the vaccine and to practice good hygiene. Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, bin the tissues and kill the germs by washing hands regularly.

"It isn’t too late to get the flu vaccine so make sure you take up the offer if you’re eligible, to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you."