ONE of two Kelly College teachers who displayed flu-like symptoms has tested positive for the swine flu virus, the school confirmed yesterday morning (Wednesday.)

But the college has been given the all-clear by the Health Protection Agency to remain open as there is no evidence that the virus has spread to anyone else at school.

The college said the teachers had been isolated throughout their illness and every precaution was taken to follow best practice in protecting the school community. Both teachers had now recovered.

The teachers were placed in isolation last Friday, after showing flu-like symptoms, on the advice of the Health Protection Agency, Wharfside Surgery and in full consultation with medical staff at Kelly College.

Headmaster Graham Hawley said the teachers had been in contact with some people from Exeter and at least one of the Exeter contacts was subsequently found to have swine flu.

But it was frustrating for the school which was left 'in limbo' when there was a delay in receiving the test results.

It transpired that there was a problem with the batch and the tests had to be re-run. Lessons had continued to run normally but all excursions and fixtures to and from the school had to be cancelled.

Mr Hawley said yesterday morning he was delighted that both members of staff had made a swift recovery.

'The exemplary treatment given to the teachers by our medical staff has ensured that the virus has not appeared to spread,' he said.

'We can now look forward to all the end of term events culminating with Founder's Day and the Summer Ball on Saturday.

'I would like to thank the whole of the Kelly community for their patience and understanding over the last few days.'

He added that should parents or children develop any flu-like symptoms, the advice from the HPA was to contact your GP by telephone.

Letters were sent out last Friday to parents to alert them that the teachers had showed symptoms of the virus and were being treated. It also listed the symptoms of swine flu and told them who to contact if they believed their child may have the virus.

Mr Hawley said although the teachers had recovered they remained isolated just as a precautionary measure.