Swine flu has been confirmed at a Mitcham school - although it is set to stay open.

An unnamed boy in year 5 at Cranmer Primary School has been diagnosed with the illness, and many of his classmates are reporting symptoms suggesting they have also been infected.

On Tuesday a Merton Council spokesman said: “As symptoms have been reported in a significant number of children, the Health Protection Agency’s advice is that, in these circumstances, there would be no public health benefit in closing the school, as it is likely that the virus has already been transmitted.

“Parents should be reassured that this has proven to be a mild illness and those affected are recovering well.”

He added: “Parents have been advised to monitor their child for symptoms and to telephone their local GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for assessment. Children should remain at home until they are well and symptom free.”

Simon Williams, the council’s director of community and housing, said the affected pupil had been the only confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in the borough.

See our swine flu section for the latest updates