A 12-year-old girl has been diagnosed with swine flu and her school in the South West closed for at least a week, it has been announced.

The youngster is said to have contracted the virus while on holiday in Mexico before returning to Paignton Community and Sports College in Devon.

She is said to be suffering 'mild symptoms' of swine flu and has become one of three more confirmed UK cases adding to the two previously identified in Scotland.

Her school has also been closed as a precaution but it is unclear if she is being treated at home or in hospital.

The case was outlined by Gordon Brown at Prime Minister's Question Time.

He said: ''There are three further confirmed cases, one a twelve year old girl from Torbay; two other adults - one from Birmingham and one from London.

''All of them have travelled recently from Mexico. All of them have mild symptoms. All of them are receiving and are responding well to the treatment that has been effective so far, the use of Tamiflu.

''In the case of Torbay, the school in which the twelve year old is educated will close down for the time being and all the pupils will be offered the Tamiflu antiviral.''

A spokesman for Torbay Council and Paignton College said a statement would be issued on the situation.

Lib Dem MP for Torbay Adrian Sanders said he would be working closely with his neighbouring Tory MP for Totnes Anthony Steen as the school drew pupils from both their constituencies.

Mr Sanders said: ''I think people will be surprised but I think it's an indication of the global world we live in. Nowhere can escape this sort of thing.

''What we need to ensure is there's adequate supplies of antiviral drugs for everyone who's going to require them.

''I will also be seeking clarification on the position of vulnerable groups who received the annual flu jab, and whether they would be receiving anti-viral drugs.''