Ten students have tested positive for swine flu at the University of Kent at Canterbury.

All of them have been given anti-viral medication and are responding well to treatment and have all returned home, according to health chiefs.

NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent and the Health Protection Agency’s unit in Kent are working closely with the university to ensure anyone who made close contact with any of the students are offered anti-viral drugs as a precaution.

As of 4.45pm Monday, there are 25 confirmed cases in Kent.

Dr Mathi Chandrakumar, director of the Kent Health Protection Unit, said: "We have always said that we expected this virus to spread and that we would monitor the situation closely.

"We know that in the majority of swine flu patients so far, the disease is generally mild, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases.

"We would urge the public to practice correct respiratory and hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of the virus."