A primary school was still closed today following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in a water pipe.

The entire water system at Benfield Junior School in Old Shoreham Road, Portslade, is to be emptied and cleaned following the discovery during a routine check.

The school is expected to reopen tomorrow and parents have been reassured there is very little, if any, risk to children from the bacteria.

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove local education authority said there was a clear distinction between Legionnaire's disease and Legionella bacteria. The bacteria is often found in stagnant ponds and bird baths and only poses a danger if it is inhaled.

It is not dangerous to drink water or to wash with it.

Parents were advised to seek medical attention only if children showed unusual symptoms which could indicate a respiratory condition.

Headteacher Giovanni Franceschi said: "I have been told by experts it is all precautionary.

"I am not prepared to take any risks. We will open when we are really satisfied.

"We will be phoning parents and we appreciate the work by the media."

The school has 295 pupils aged seven to 11. Mr Franceschi became headteacher four years ago.

The LEA spokesman said: "As part of a routine check at Benfield Junior School on Friday, it was found that the Legionella bacteria may be present in the water system.

"No one has been affected. However, the school is having its water system treated and cleaned.

"This means it will be closed on Monday."

He stressed that it was extremely unlikely any child would fall ill.

He said: "The bacteria is present all around us. It typically gets into the human system through a spray or atoms. Showers can be a source.

"Quite rightly we are taking precautions and making sure the place is closed down while the whole water system is drained and they will go through the pipe work with chemicals.

"It was found in one water pipe in one part of the building."

According to the Health and Safety Executive, Legionnaire's is very uncommon in people under 20.

It is a type of severe pneumonia named after an outbreak which affected a meeting of the American Legion in 1976. The most vulnerable are older people who smoke or have respiratory diseases.

The bacteria which cause it are widespread in nature.

Most people who are exposed to Legionella do not become ill. The disease does not spread from person to person. Most outbreaks in the UK have been linked to installations of cooling towers or evaporation condensers, which can spread droplets of water over a wide area.