Just over a hundred holidaymakers at the Center Parcs village in Longleat Forest, Wiltshire, have fallen victim to a virulent stomach bug.

The virus, believed to be the Norovirus – a highly contagious but common type of gastroenteritis – causes violent vomiting and diarrhoea that can last to up to a week.

Center Parcs decided to confine holidaymakers affected by the virus to their rooms.

Members of staff who fell ill were sent home to recover.

Despite the discomfort suffered by some of its guests, the Longleat resort has stayed open throughout the outbreak.

Simon Kay, spokesperson, said: “The situation is now under control. Just over a hundred visitors were affected, but it is a minute portion of the 13,500 guests we have had during the 10-day period.

“We have been in constant contact with environmental health officers and other relevant authorities throughout and they agreed that closing the park was unnecessary,” he said. Details: www.centerparcs.co.uk