The pupils, one from the Eastbourne College of Art and Technology, the other studying at Hastings College of Arts and Technology, were taken ill last week.

The Eastbourne youngster, who is studying A-levels and GCSEs, is being treated at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

He was diagnosed with the meningococcal strain of the disease but doctors believe he is recovering.

His family and close friends at the college in Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, have been given antibiotics.

In Hastings, a student is being treated at the Conquest Hospital.

Doctors still have to identify the strain but his condition is stable.

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