DOZENS of Hampshire schoolchildren have been struck down by a mystery illness after a visit to one of the county's most popular attractions.

Nearly 40 pupils from Romsey Primary School are suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea following the trip to Broadlands Country Estate.

Now parents are being urged to keep their children away from the school until 48 hours after their last episode while Public Health England and Test Valley Borough Council are investigating the source.

Jason Anderson, head teacher at Romsey Primary School, said: “I can confirm that 39 of our 190 pupils on roll were taken ill with sickness and diarrhoea and are absent from school today.

“When I was made aware of the number of children that are unwell I took immediate action to advise Public Health England. They are acting swiftly to establish the cause of the illness and, in the meantime, we have followed their advice and asked parents to keep their children at home until have been clear of any symptoms for 48 hours.”

He added: “This information has been shared with parents of those children who are currently well, so that they will take appropriate action should their child develop similar symptoms.

“Our priority is the health and wellbeing of the children who attend this school and we will continue to assist Public Health England with their investigations as may be required.”

A statement on the school website was released the day of the trip.

It said: “After a fantastic day out in the countryside, we have been made aware of a number of children being ill.

“I would encourage parents to be aware of the key messages around diarrhoea and vomiting which are given on the NHS choices website.”

A spokesman for Broadlands said there was no evidence the sickness was linked to the visit but that it would help Public Health England with its investigations.

The spokesman said: “We can confirm that children from Romsey Primary School were on an education day at Broadlands in Romsey on Tuesday.

“The day was organised by the charity Countryside Learning to help children experience firsthand aspects of the countryside including farming, fishing, forestry and wildlife including bees and falconry. Full risk assessments were carried out by all parties.

“A number of children were taken ill but at this time it has not been confirmed that any sickness was related to the visit. We will support Public Health England and the local authorities in their investigation. In the meantime, we wish the children a speedy recovery.”