Parents at a Kirkham school are being urged not to panic after a pupil was diagnosed with meningitis.

The 17-year-old Kirkham Grammar School pupil, who has not been named but is a lower sixth former, is recovering at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she is in a stable condition.

Headteacher Douglas Walker said: "We have followed the advice of the Health Protection Unit (HPU) and have informed all parents that one of our pupils has been diagnosed with what we believe to be meningitis.

"Thankfully, she seems to have come through the initial crisis period and we are delighted and relieved that she is making a full recovery."

In a letter sent to all parents, Mr Walker said there was no reason to believe that a further outbreak would occur and that the medical staff would be available to speak to any parents with concerns.

Symptoms of the disease include severe headache, fever, vomiting, drowsiness and a rash which does not disappear when pressure is applied.

Lancashire and Cumbria HPU has said that meningitis is rare.

Dr Steven Gee, a consultant in health protection, said that those most at risk of secondary infection are those living in the same house and those kissing partners where there is a possibility of swapping saliva.

"We always say that a parent knows when their child is really ill and if they have any concerns then they should seek advice from their doctor.

"It is important for parents to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis at all times, not only when their child has possibly had contact with a suspected case."

For information about meningitis, call the Meningitis Research Foundation on 0808 800 3344.