Hotel guests have been struck down by a highly infectious virus during a trip to Sussex.

The Majestic is the fourth Eastbourne hotel in just seven weeks to have been involved in an outbreak of the gastroenteritis bug, norovirus.

A total of 27 guests of the hotel, in Royal Parade, have showed symptoms of having the virus, including vomiting and diarrhoea.

At least one elderly guest has been taken into hospital as a result of catching the virus.

Philip Spiby (corr), whose mother is currently in a stable condition in a Manchester hospital, said: "It's totally knocked her out and from what I've been told, most of the other people too.

"It's not nice for them. They wanted to go and have a nice holiday and have ended up really sick."

Guests at the busy Majestic Hotel, which is popular among holiday makers, first showed signs of norovirus on May 15 with more people quickly developing the symptoms as it spread.

Among the main causes of the highly contagious virus are poor hygiene or contact with infected faeces or vomit.

However it is unclear whether the virus started at the hotel, on coaches the guests travelled to the hotel on from another source.

Health chiefs are investigating the source of the outbreak but have already ruled out infected food.

A joint statement issued by Eastbourne Borough Council and East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT said: "The airborne diarrhoea and vomiting bug norovirus has affected 27 guests at the Majestic Hotel, Royal Parade, Eastbourne.

"The outbreak started on Tuesday, 15 May. It is not food-related.

"A district nurse from East Sussex Downs and Weald Primary Care Trust has provided nursing care at the hotel.

"The hotel's management is 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."

Mr Spilby said: "Once the experts can narrow down who is responsible then I will be looking to make a claim for her because it has cost her her holiday which she paid good money for."

Earlier this year three hotels in Eastbourne had to be quarantined after more than 70 guests were struck down with norovirus.

The Health Protection Agency carried out deep chemical cleaning at The Royal Parade Hotel, the Hilton and the three-star Langham Hotel after the outbreak in April.

Seven patients on four wards at St Richardís Hospital, Chichester, were also struck down by norovirus in March.

No one from the Majestic was available for comment today..