A HOSPITAL Sars scare was sparked when three patients were tested there for the deadly disease.

Three people - all of whom had just returned from the Far East - were admitted to Chorley Hospital after complaining of symptoms similar to those suffered by victims of the killer virus.

Now Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle has written to Health Minister Alan Milburn and the Home Office about the situation.

And he says he will also write to Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust asking whether it could cope with an epidemic should the unthinkable occur.

A spokesman for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals said there was no one currently at Chorley Hospital with, or suspected of Sars - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

He confirmed though: "A number of people who have been to the Far East who have flu-like symptoms have admitted themselves. We just take every precaution."

It is understood one of the frightened patients was a woman returning from Hong Kong.

Labour MP Mr Hoyle said: "Obviously people are very concerned about Sars with everything that's stated in the Press. "My understanding is these people turned up worried about symptoms after travelling to the Far East."

He added: "Thankfully we have no confirmed cases in our area.

"As a precautionary measure I have sent a letter to the health minister and Home Office.

"Constituents are very worried and I want to know if all the procedures are in place. Are we doing all the checks and is security tight?"

Meanwhile Chinese officials due to visit Chorley have been forced to cancel their trip owing to the Sars outbreak.

A group of businessmen and elected officials from Chorley's twin town Lanzhou were due visit in June as part of a 'friendship and co-operation' agreement signed with the borough in September 2000. But their trip was called off after the Sars epidemic hit the country.

They were due to meet local civic and business leaders but were forced to cancel because their flight would go via Beijing, currently gripped by the virus.

Chorley Council leader Jack Wilson received confirmation of the cancellation.

He said: "Given the situation the Chinese officials felt it was best to postpone their visit.

"Although there are no reported cases in Lanzhou or the Gansu province, their flight would have gone through Beijing.

"We are grateful to them for writing to us and this step is very prudent of them.

"We are hoping to re-arrange the visit and will welcome the Chinese as soon as the situation is cleared up."