Schools and universities in Sussex today handed out leaflets giving advice to students in a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly Sars virus.

As alarm over the killer bug grows around the world, education chiefs are confident they can prevent it from reaching schools here.

Boarding schools with overseas students are updating staff and pupils with information on symptoms.

Peter Tinniswood, headteacher at Lancing College which started back on Tuesday after the Easter break, said: "Pupils coming in have been seen and checked by medical staff.

"Those coming from Sars affected areas are having twice-daily temperature checks for ten days, the quarantine period.

"Otherwise life goes on as normal. All the pupils are fighting fit and healthy."

Mr Tinniswood said other pupils thought to be at risk because they had come from abroad but not from infected areas had their temperatures checked for three days.

SARS symptoms are very similar to those of flu and include high fever, headache, sore throat and a cough.

Staff at the University of Brighton have been handing out leaflets to returning students.

At the University of Sussex information about the deadly bug, which has so far killed more than 260 worldwide, is also being distributed.

A spokesman said: "We have a 24-hour sick bay if anyone is worried."

An action plan was in place similar to that used in case of meningitis outbreaks.

The spokesman added: "If the situation changed we would do whatever is necessary."

Hurstpierpoint College head teacher Stephen Meek wrote to parents of pupils living in affected areas during the school holiday.

Seven children from affected areas but who have not been in contact with a known case of Sars are required to attend the college medical centre each day for the first ten days for checks.

A spokesman said: "The college will continue to be vigilant and act on the advice of experts."

Julia Johnson, spokeswoman for Roedean School in Brighton, which starts back on Monday, said: "All the girls coming from infected areas have been asked to come back ten days early.

"When they come back they will be having health checks with the nurses until the quarantine period is up."