More than 100 schoolchildren are believed to have been taken ill after a suspected norovirus outbreak in Stirling.

Pupils at St Modan's High School have reported sickness and diarrhoea, both symptoms of the so-called winter vomiting bug.

Staff have now told children who feel unwell not to attend lessons and to leave at least two full days after recovering before they return to school.

Specialists from Stirling Council's environmental health team and NHS Forth Valley are on the scene to prevent the spread of infection and advise teachers and concerned parents.

In a statement, NHS Forth Valley said: "Samples are still being tested but symptoms correlate with those of norovirus, a common, self-limiting illness usually lasting up to 48 hours.

"Deep cleaning is being carried out daily in all areas of the school, which remains open.

"NHS Forth Valley is working closely with Stirling Council and the school, and letters have been sent to parents advising them how to prevent the spread of infection.

"It is important that pupils showing any signs of feeling unwell should not attend school and those who have been ill do not return until 48 hours after symptoms cease."

In a letter to parents, headteacher Raymond O'Neill wrote: "This is to let you know that following the outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting extensive deep cleaning at the school will continue throughout this weekend.

"Many pupils have chosen to stay away from school but with a near-full complement of staff, lessons are continuing as normal.

"Diarrhoea and vomiting is a common, self-limiting illness with many cases currently affecting the community at large; it was therefore felt appropriate that the school should remain open.

"Could we ask that pupils who feel unwell are kept away from school, and that those who have been ill must not return to school until 48 hours after symptoms disappear.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely."