BARNSLEY Hospital medics have urged parents to ring 111 if their child shows signs of strep - after a town centre nursery confirmed a case.

Also known as GAS, the disease is a common bacteria which causes a range of infections including scarlet feve.

It can also cause a rare, more serious infection called invasive group A strep, which occurs when the bacteria gets into parts of the body where it causes serious disease, like the lungs or blood stream.

Mini Me’s Nursery, based on Eldon Street North in the town centre, confirmed on Tuesday they had one case of infection.

A hospital spokesperson said: “We understand parents and carers are worried about recent reports of cases of strep in children and young people.

“If you are concerned that your child might have symptoms, contact 111 or your GP surgery.”