A NEW swine flu call centre in Colchester dealt with nearly 500 calls on its first day.

The centre, which is based at Colchester Primary Care Centre, in Turner Road, was inundated with calls from concerned members of the public and took 400 in its first nine hours.

The huge number of calls comes as the Government announced 29 people had died from the virus in the UK.

The number of cases in north Essex is unknown, but three schools in Halstead have now confirmed cases of the virus.

A pupil from Earls Colne Primary School had to be taken to hospital, but is now recovering at home.

An adult from St Andrew’s Primary School, in Mathews Close, was taken ill with swine flu while a pupil at St John the Baptist Primary School, in Pebmarsh, has been out of school this week because of suspected swine flu.

She is at home taking anti-viral drugs.

Mike Cable, emergency planning lead officer in Colchester, said: “At present we have eight phone lines taking calls, but we are bringing forward our plans to introduce more.

“This was always part of our plans and we will be training more staff.

“We’re pleased with the way our plans have been vindicated by the number of calls we have taken at the centre.

“This has alleviated some of the pressure on GP practices, which have been taking all the calls.”

Mr Cable said most of the people calling the flu call centre had been diagnosed with swine flu and had been given access to anti-viral medication.

He added: “They will be given a unique reference number so their ‘flu friend’ can go and collect the medication for them.”

Anyone who is concerned they might have swine flu can contact the centre between 7am and 10pm on 0800 5420303.

NHS Direct can be contacted on 0845 4647 or call the national Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513513.