A young girl is recovering after being taken to hospital with suspected meningitis.

The pupil at Parkside Middle School in Cullingworth is being treated at Airedale General Hospital in Steeton, near Keighley.

Parents at the school have been sent letters giving them advice about how to spot symptoms of the brain disease, which can be fatal.

But head teacher Bob Quartermain said today it was "extremely unlikely" that anyone else would be infected.

"It actually occurred at the very end of our half-term week which means she has not been at school since she became ill," he said.

"This is an isolated case as far as we know and at the moment it is still only an unconfirmed case of meningitis. We are still waiting for confirmation from a section at Airedale called Infection Control.

"However, we have taken the precaution of sending a letter to parents which basically outlines the symptoms to look for.

"The girl concerned has been very poorly and our sympathies go out to her and to her family for what has been a very trying time.''

The girl, who has not been named, is said to be making good progress in hospital. And Mr Quartermain praised her parents' prompt action in spotting the warning signs.

"They were extremely on the ball and were obviously all genned up about meningitis which meant she was able to be treated straight away."

Bradford Health Authority today issued a reminder about the warning signs for meningitis.

These include a high temperature and/or vomiting, severe headache, a stiff neck, aching limbs and joints, a dislike of bright lights, drowsiness and/or purple rash which does not fade when pressed and, in small babies, refusal to feed and a high-pitched cry.

Those most at risk are babies, young children and young adults.

Dr Ruth Gelletlie, consultant on public health medicine, said: "Meningococcal disease is rare and most patients recover completely."

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