Contact tracing is underway at a Kilwinning primary school after an unspecified number of Covid cases were confirmed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

The health board is currently attempting to identify pupils and staff at Pennyburn Primary who may have come in contact with the infection.

Pupils, staff, and their households who may be affected have been advised to self-isolate.

In a statement by Lynne McNiven, the board's director of public health, she said: "There are well-established procedures in place in all schools to help mitigate and stop the spread of Covid-19.

"Whenever a Covid-19 case is identified with links to a school a risk assessment is carried out and specific actions are recommended depending on the circumstances within the school.

"North Ayrshire schools continue to be supported through regular conversations between education leads within North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s health protection team.

"To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.

"We appreciate this is a very worrying time. However, we would like to assure people that every measure is being taken to protect children and staff.

"Rapid Covid-19 testing is now available for people without symptoms in Ayrshire - please visit nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/ for information on testing sites available near you.

"The Covid-19 vaccine provides our best protection, visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking.

"However, simple steps such as wearing face masks, washing hands, meeting outside where possible, and making sure we ventilate rooms well when we meet indoors by opening windows will help reduce the spread of Covid-19."