THE total number of cases of Legionnaires' Disease in Herefordshire stands at 26 of whom nine are being treated in hospital. The 24-hour hotline which members of the public can ring for advice remains open on 01785 231 011.

Following confirmation that the particular form of Legionella, indentified in tests as being present in a de-commissioned cooling system, Bulmers have extended sympathy and best wishes to all those affected by the outbreak.

The matter was being treated with the highest degree of seriousness, a Bulmers spokesman added, and the system would not be re-started until the Health and Safety Executive were satisfied that it was safe to do so.