A breakthrough has been unveiled in the fight against a potentially fatal hospital superbug.

Researchers have discovered that essential oils derived from thyme plants normally used in aromatherapy can destroy the MRSA bug within two hours.

The study was carried out at the University of Brighton using a small selection of oils which scientists believed could provide a potential answer to the growing MRSA problem.

They subsequently discovered that thyme rapidly killed the bug.

MRSA does not just affect patients in hospital but can also be found in the wider community and is resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.

It is hoped the new discovery could provide another form of treatment to help cut back the number of cases.

The MRSA bacteria is often carried on the skin or in the nostrils of healthy people but when a carrier enters hospital for an operation or any procedure that punctures the skin, bacteria can enter the body causing serious medical problems.

Each year up to 5,000 people die as a result of MRSA.

The research was published in the International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics and was carried out by a team of microbiologists led by Professor Geoff Hanlon of the school of pharmacy and biomolecular sciences.

Benchmark Oils is now looking for partners in order to take the research further.