A swine flu centre has been set up in Bristol to hand out medicine to people diagnosed with the virus.

The new antiviral centre has opened in South Gloucestershire to deal with the rising number of cases of the H1N1 strain of flu.

Tamiflu had been handed out by 28 community pharmacies previously, but as cases of swine flu become more widespread people are likely to be sent to the location, which is equipped to deal with more people.

The new centre will be able to deal with about 250 people a day coming through its doors for antiviral drugs, but if the demand grows a bigger location will be considered.

Health officials are only releasing the location of the antiviral centre to people who need the drugs so that they do not become inundated with unsolicited requests.

Nurses and other healthcare staff will be at the centre to talk through any concerns people might have about the drugs.

Stocks of Tamiflu have been delivered to the centre and are being closely monitored to ensure there is enough for everyone who requires it.

Banks of computers have been set up, which will link in with the national database when the Government's new internet and telephone service is launched to deal with suspected cases of swine flu.

People with symptoms of the virus should not attend in person, but should send a friend or relative. Staff will check whether people have symptoms of swine flu before allowing them into the building.

When people who have swine flu turn up to collect prescriptions they will be kept separate from other people and staff dealing with them will have to put on masks.

In the assessment room, health staff will ask several questions about the individual for whom they are collecting Tamiflu.

They also need to see identification for the person picking up the drugs and the flu sufferer, as well as a prescription or a unique reference number, which will be provided to people who come through the new national flu service that is expected to be launched at the end of the week.

Similar centres have been set up in all areas.

The South Gloucestershire centre is open from 9am to 5pm, but preparations are being made so that it can open from 8am to 8pm if the need arises.

Matron Michelle Jefferies, has been overseeing, the clinical team at the centre.

She said: "We feel we are geared up to help everyone who comes through the doors."

Meanwhile, Clevedon Community School students on a trip to Beijing remained in quarantine yesterday, despite pupils from other schools being able to continue with their trip. It is hoped they will be allowed to leave later today

Both of the students who were in hospital remain there, while doctors continue to monitor their progress.

Downend-based charity, Meningitis UK, has warned people not to mistake signs of the brain disease for swine flu.

The symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu but kill one in 10 people compared to the one in 2,500 fatality rate.

Similar centres have been set up by all the local health trusts in the Bristol area.