A seven-year-old Bradford school pupil has died from suspected meningitis.

The Early Years annexe at Clayton Village Primary School was closed today as a mark of respect and teachers held a day of prayer.

The child - thought to be a boy - died shortly after being admitted to hospital on Friday night.

Health chiefs today moved to reassure parents, stressing it would be "very uncommon" to see a second linked case of the suspected meningococcal disease.

The child's family are being offered antibiotics but experts say there is no medical reason to close the school and no need for any of the pupils to receive antibiotics.

Classes in the rest of the school, where older age groups are taught, went on normally.

No-one at the school was available for comment today.

A joint statement was issued by Bradford Council and Bradford Health Authority.

Phil Green, acting director of education, said: "Our sincere condolences go out to the family at this time, and as a mark of respect, the school has decided to close the annexe building today - it will reopen tomorrow as normal."

Dr Ruth Gelletlie, consultant in communicable disease control at Bradford Health Authority, said: "Clearly it is devastating when a child dies, and our deepest sympathies are with the family. Close contacts of the child have been offered antibiotic treatment. While I understand parents' concerns in these situations, it is very uncommon to see a second linked case."

She added: "Meningococcal disease is rare and most patients recover."

There was a sombre atmosphere in the school playground today.

Inside the Early Years annexe, which was closed to children, staff and the headteacher held a day of prayer as a mark of respect for the youngster, who has not been named.

Nearby, shocked parents spoke of their disbelief at the news.

One young mum, who was too upset to give her name, said: "I can't believe it really; I don't know much about meningitis, I just know it's absolutely devastating for that little boy's family."

Another parent, who also did not wish to be named, said: "I don't really know much about what's happened. I think the summer fair was cancelled on Saturday and the Early Years part of the school is shut as a mark of respect. Apparently, the death was very sudden. We are just thinking of the family at this time."

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It can be carried by either bacteria or viruses. The symptoms include vomiting, fever, headache, a stiff neck, aversion to light, drowsiness, joint pain and a pinprick rash which does not disappear when a glass is pressed on the skin. Immediate 24 hour telephone advice is available from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.