THE daughter of a Ribble Valley headteacher has been struck down by the deadly bug meningitis.

Mary Wood, 13, a pupil at Bowland High School, Clitheroe, is the daughter of Chris Wood, head of Barrow Primary School, near Whalley.

The youngster, who lives in the Burnley area, was admitted to hospital earlier this week, but her condition is said to be improving.

As a precaution, Mr Wood and his wife, also a teacher at the school, are staying away from the school after being given antibiotics. They are both expected back at work next week.

Public health officials have sent letters to parents of Mary's friends at Bowland High, warning them of the meningitis symptoms to look out for.

Bowland head Steve Colling, said: "We are delighted and relieved that Mary's condition is improving. Her friends have been concerned about her.

"Letters have gone out to parents of Mary's friends whom she comes into close contact with. We don't want to start a panic, but we have got to take precautions. I believe she may be in hospital for another 10 to 12 days."

A spokesman for the governors at Barrow Primary said: "Letters have gone out to parents of pupils to confirm the absence of Mr and Mrs Wood and to keep them informed. Hopefully, they should both be back next week.

"As far as I know their daughter is out of danger."

A spokeswoman at East Lancashire Health Authority said: "There has been one case of meningitis at Bowland High involving a 13-year-old girl. Her family and close contacts have been given antibiotics. The girl's condition is said to be improving."

Mr Wood, a former deputy head at St Peter's CE School, Burnley and his wife have been at the bedside of Mary, who is recovering in Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.