Three seafront hotels had to be quarantined and deep cleaned after nearly 70 guests and staff were struck down by a highly contagious airborne stomach bug.

The Royal Parade Hotel, the Hilton and the three-star Langham Hotel, which stand in a row in Eastbourne's Royal Parade, were affected by the infamous Norwalk Virus.

Health officials were called in to help and guests who fell ill were advised to stay in their rooms for 48 hours until their symptoms had disappeared.

The hotels are popular destinations for retired holiday-makers hoping to enjoy a bit of sunshine on the South Coast.

All those who contracted the bug, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, were adults. None were taken to hospital but nurses were dispatched to treat them in the hotels.

Five new cases were reported this week, bringing the total to 68.

Madeleine Mayhew, communications manager for East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust, said: "That isn't surprising when you have an outbreak. We would now look for it to tail off.

"It isn't food related. It is airborne.

"It is generally very short-lived. There is nothing you can take for it but it is important to drink lots of water. You should stay away from other people so you don't spread it."

She said hygiene was vital to contain the disease and anyone in contact with someone who has been affected should be careful to wash their hands.

The three hotels have since been chemically treated and have worked closely with environmental health and medical advisers to ensure they are germ-free.

Norwalk Virus, or the Norovirus, is the most common cause of gastro-entritis in the UK. Mrs Mayhew praised the three hotels, who have been following the advice of environmental health experts and the Health Protection Agency by deep cleaning and telling sufferers to stay in their rooms for a couple of days.

She said: "The hotels have been very cooperative in all the measures they were asked to implement."

Shaz Ali, owner of the Hilton and the Royal Parade Hotel, was himself struck down with the bug along with some of his guests. He said he did not think as many as 68 had been affected. He said: "There have been people ill but not as many as that. The bug's been killed. It is up to seven days since it has been gone. We were closed over the weekend.

"It has been chemically sprayed." He added he thought the bug had been brought in by someone on a coach trip.

Wendy Kirby, owner of the Langham Hotel, said all the affected rooms had been deep cleaned. She said: "We have had the environmental health people in from the council and public health nurses who have been looking after the people who were ill. They informed us all we could do was clean the rooms with bleach to get rid of the bacteria." The hotel has now been given the all-clear.

In a joint statement, Eastbourne Borough Council and the PCT said the outbreak started on Tuesday, March 27 and most people have recovered. All guests have returned home.

It said: "No one needed to be admitted to hospital as the result of contracting the virus, which is not food related.

"The hotels' management are working closely with Eastbourne Borough Council's environmental health division, East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust and the Health Protection Agency to carry out infection control and hygiene measures.

"The Health Protection Agency is aware of other cases of viral gastro-enteritis currently in the county."

On its website, the Langham Hotel boasts of being an AA and RAC rated three star hotel with 85 bedrooms, many of which have views of Eastbourne's coastline. It says: " Our other facilities include a roomy and comfortable bar and terrace with amazing views of the sea, a restaurant and a conference and function room which has facilities for parties or meetings."