A BORDERS nursery has been forced to temporarily close, following a "probable outbreak of E.coli O157".

The region's health board is asking anyone who attends or works at Cherrytrees in Hawick and may have been exposed to the infection to stay at home.

NHS Borders says it will contact anyone who may be affected.

Dr Tim Patterson, director of public health, said: “I want to reassure people that the measures we are taking are preventative in order to limit the spread of this infection.

"Symptoms of E.coli include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and occasionally fever. About half of people with the infection will have bloody diarrhoea.

"If you or your child have attended Cherrytrees nursery since May 9 and develop any of these symptoms then call your GP (or NHS 24 on 111 if your GP surgery is closed) and let them know.

"They may arrange for your child to come to the Borders General Hosptial to have their stool and bloods checked. If your child is well you will be able to go home to wait for the results.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management and staff of Cherrytrees in Hawick for their co-operation in this process.”