The spread of swine flu across the Black Country and South Staffordshire is now out of control with health officials expecting to see large rises in the number of people infected during the coming weeks.

The number of schools infected with the disease has grown with the latest to report infections being a school in Lichfield.

Bosses at King Edward VI school, on Upper St John Street, have confirmed the school has suspected cases of swine flu but would not give an exact number except to say there were fewer 10 pupils affected.

All the students are being kept at home by their parents and the school will remain open. Cases have also been reported at Chase Terrace Technology College in Burntwood.

Staffordshire County Council has admitted swine flu has increased across the county beyond the point of control with more than 40 schools across Staffordshire having suspected cases.

The number of swine flu cases in Wolverhampton is also expected to rise over the next two to three weeks, according to city health chiefs. And it is feared the infection could spread at large scale community events such as the City Show at West Park this Saturday and Sunday.

The prediction was given at the Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust board meeting yesterday.