A third teenager from East Sussex has been admitted to hospital suffering from suspected meningitis.

The 14-year-old girl is said to be doing well after contracting what is believed to be meningococcal septicaemia.

The Year 10 pupil at Claverham Community College in Battle became ill on Saturday night and was immediately taken to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

Family and close friends of the girl have been given antibiotics.

Health officials today said it was an isolated case and not connected with the two cases at Bexhill High School last week.

Francesca Ward, 16, died from the B strain of meningitis and fellow pupil Jason Brett-Andrews, 14, has just been discharged from the Conquest Hospital after contracting suspected meningococcal septicaemia.

College vice-principal Bill Healey said letters had been sent to parents with advice on symptoms.

The 1,080-pupil school is on half-term but has opened its office today for parents who have not yet had a letter and want to get information immediately.

A spokesman for Bexhill and Rother Primary Care Trust said: "This is still an unconfirmed case and is completely separate from Bexhill High School.

"The girl is doing very well. Her family and very close friends have been offered antibiotics.

"We are advising parents to be vigilant and if they are concerned in any way to seek medical advice either from their GP, NHS Direct or the meningitis charities' helplines."

The National Meningitis Trust 24-hour helpline number is 0845 6000800.