Maldon MP John Whittingdale has called for the public to be vigilant after a large outbreak of Covid-19 cases was detected at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham-on-Crouch.

A letter was published on the website of the academy over the Bank Holiday weekend telling parents that the whole of Year 11 at the school in Southminster Road should self-isolate as they had all been together for leavers' celebrations - and a positive case of Covid-19 had been confirmed by a PCR test.

It is not known whether or not the cases are of the 'Indian' variant - but it is thought that around 20 cases have now been confirmed.

Mr Whittingdale said: "It is obviously a matter of concern that there has been a significant outbreak of Covid-19 at Ormiston Rivers Academy.

"It's a reminder that people must continue to observe social distancing and government guidelines to help keep transmission of the virus down.

"Happily due to the success of the vaccine programme the overwhelming majority of older people are protected, but it is extremely important that anyone who has been exposed to the virus or has any symptoms gets tested immediately."

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: "Essex County Council is working with Public Health England and Maldon District Council to carry out a testing programme at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham-on-Crouch.

"Working with the school, testing of all students in Year 11 is being carried out following a number of positive tests. This is a precautionary measure to reduce the chance of asymptomatic reintroduction into the school and the wider community."