Managers of a Mid Wales nursery hope to reopen it this week after an outbreak of E.coli.

Two young children were struck by the deadly bacteria last week, forcing health officials to close the nursery.

The youngsters, who attend Park Lane Day Nursery, Welshpool, were suffering from the potentially fatal O157 strain of the bacteria – but are now making full recoveries.

National Public Health Service for Wales spokeswoman Anna Humphreys said today: “Both children are absolutely fine and neither of them had to be treated in hospital this time.

“I understand they are both making a brilliant recovery and will be returning to the nursery when it reopens.”Up to 50 children who attend the nursery have been screened for the bacteria, with the first results expected today.

Miss Humphreys said: “The first set of test results are due back with the nursery today and then the final test results on Wednesday. Once everybody has been given the all-clear then they can return to the nursery and everything can continue to run as normal.

“However, if anybody gives a positive sample, they will be contacted by the doctor and given advice.”

Parents of children aged between three months and four years at the nursery were called to an emergency meeting at Welshpool Town Hall on Thursday and told the news. One parent, who declined to be named, said she was concerned at where the bacteria – often found in beef – came from.

She said: “I’m very worried, but pleased Powys County Council has acted quickly.

“I’m very concerned about how it has managed to get into the nursery.”

Parents were also given a letter from Dr Mac Walapu, a consultant in communicable disease control.

It read: “At this point in time we do not know whether the two germs identified are the same. As a precautionary measure we are arranging for all children who attend Park Lane Day Nursery, but not children who only attend the after-school club, to be screened.”

The nursery is expected to reopen on Wednesday or Thursday.