A hospital has allowed visitors to return after almost two weeks.

Visiting was completely suspended at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester after an outbreak of the norovirus stomach bug on April 5.

A major incident was declared however despite being stepped down on April 7, visitors were still unable to attend the hospital.

READ MORE: Break-in at village football club prompts police investigation

The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has now announced that visiting has returned to normal across the hospital.

A spokesman for the trust said: "From Tuesday morning, we’re delighted to open our doors once again to visitors across the hospital.

"Putting visiting restrictions in place was not a decision we made lightly, and we understand the difficulties these measures caused for our patients and those wishing to visit their family and friends.

"So, we want to thank the public for your continued patience and understanding during this period, and for helping keep our patients safe.

"We must thank our teams who have been working exceptionally hard in these challenging circumstances to prevent the spread of norovirus and protect our patients, so our hospital can return to its normal running."

People should continue to avoid visiting if they have symptoms of norovirus unless it is an emergency.