Hospitals in the Bristol area have been forced to close five wards to new admissions after a winter sickness bug took hold.

At Weston General two wards have been closed while three are currently closed at Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) due to an outbreak of norovirus.

Visitors are being asked to stay away from hospitals for 48 hours after they have experienced symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting to prevent the virus spreading.

All people attending hospitals are being asked to observe infection control measures when they enter the sites, thoroughly cleaning their hands when they arrive on, or leave, a ward.

Norovirus is a community virus which spreads rapidly from person to person, particularly in places of close proximately, such as schools, nursing homes and hospital.

Director of nursing at Weston General Hospital, Carolyn Moore said: "We are asking the public to help us contain this new outbreak which has come at one of the busiest times of the year in the hospital.

"We are monitoring the situation closely, but, as this infection often affects people in the community, it is vital that everyone plays their part, whether staff, patient or visitor.

"This bug can strike at home as well. So hygiene at home is very important and washing hands after going to the toilet is essential. If you become ill, make sure you stay at home for 48 hours."