A HOSPITAL has been forced to close seven of its wards following an outbreak of gastro-enteritis.

Sixty-two patients and 19 staff at Hope Hospital in Salford have become ill with the virus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

The public are being asked not to visit patients if they themselves are showing any symptoms of the illness.

Doctors say the seven affected wards are undergoing extensive cleaning to keep the bug under control.