HEALTH officials are expecting more cases of swine flu to hit North Staffordshire, as the disease is declared a global pandemic.

The West Midlands region now has more confirmed cases of swine flu than anywhere else in England, with 10 new cases yesterday alone.

As yet, there are only two confirmed cases in North Staffordshire – Nantwich Town players Michael Lennon, of Trentham, and Mark Beeston, of Madeley Heath – but health workers are preparing for more.

Mr Lennon, aged 27, works as a PE teacher at Longton's Edensor College and returned to work before taking sick leave.

The school has resisted protests from a small number of parents and pupils to close.

NHS North Staffordshire spokesman Nigel Lucas said: "We have a watching brief at the school, to see if there are any other pupils or staff who fall ill or have any symptoms.

"When people test positive, the Health Protection Agency looks at everyone they have been in contact with. They check symptoms and test anyone they feel is a cause for concern.

"We are not aware of any more people (than the two cases already confirmed) with this type of flu. That's not to say there won't be any – it's probable there will. As far as the school goes, it is business as usual."

Stella Oldfield, from Greendock Street, Longton, whose 14-year-old daughter Sara Howe goes to Edensor, said: "Pupils should not have to go into school. All the other schools that have swine flu cases are shut.

"I don't want to send my daughter to school while this is going on, but she has been going in.

"If you don't send your children to school, you get done."

Yesterday, the World Health Organisation declared swine flu a global pandemic, after 1,200 cases were confirmed in a week in Australia, a four-fold rise.

Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms is asked not to visit a GP, for fear of spreading the illness. Instead, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

To hear the latest advice on swine flu, call the information line on 0800 1 513 513.