A south Shropshire adventure centre was under investigation today after a number of children were taken ill at the site.

Officers from Shropshire Council’s environmental health department were visiting the Manor Adventure Centre near Craven Arms today to take samples and carry out tests after reports of the youngsters suffering from sickness.

Gareth Proffitt, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said: “Environmental health officers are investigating reports of children being taken ill at Manor Adventure Centre, and will be visiting the centre later today as part of their investigations.”

The centre’s managing director Vaughan Phillips today said the matter involved “a handful” of children.

He claimed a number of children had visited the site earlier this week and they had been suffering with a virus.

He said: “It was six or seven children.

“They were here at the beginning of the week but they have now left.”

Mr Phillips said that the incident had not affected the running of the centre.

He added: “When you are dealing with children you always report it to the relevant authorities.

“It is a very standard procedure in all these cases.

“There is no reason for us to close.”

The centre is one of three educational activity facilities in England and Wales offering schoolchildren the opportunity to try a range of outdoor pursuits.

Its website states that the centre’s purpose is to provide a high quality experience for youngsters in a safe and caring environment.

The centre’s site also highlights children’s safety as a number one priority.