BOLTON GPs have been put on alert for increased cases of the infection Cryptosporidiosis after water supplies were found to have "higher" levels.

Routine tests at Dunmill Rise, in the Lake District, have shown "higher than average levels" of the bug which causes sickness and diarrhoea.

The water system supplies much of the North-west with drinking water.

Bolton has been put on alert in the past and water officials are today urging people not to panic assuring them that tap water is still safe to drink.

A United Utilities spokesman said: "The monitoring process is normal procedure. There is no cause for concern and the water is safe to drink. There is no need for customers to take any action. United Utilities is working closely with the health authorities and acting on their advice."

They claim just one out of over 10,000 samples taken this year have shown the increase and say that there is no evidence of illness.

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection which can lead to gastrointestinal illness and outbreaks have been linked with water consumption.

Symptoms can be severe, the Department of Health warn, in those who also have other health conditions.