TWELVE schoolchildren were returning home from France with a police escort last night after contracting swine flu.

The year eight pupils from Kendal’s Queen Katherine School were struck down by the virus during a break in Normandy.

The French medics who confirmed the cases, initially wanted to quarantine the group, but agreed they could return on coaches with a police presence.

“It is a disappointing end to what has been a fantastic trip and we are just relieved they are on their way home,” said head Stephen Wilkinson, who was expecting the students back late last night.

Four students tested positive for swine flu on Tuesday afternoon. A further eight now have symptoms of the virus.

“They seem to be taking a much harder line on swine flu across the Channel and there was a fear the students would be quarantined which is why we were keen to repatriate them to the UK as soon as possible,” added Mr Wilkinson.

“None of those infected have underlying health problems so we are sure they will make a quick and full recovery.”

Meanwhile Giggleswick Scho-ol near Settle has been forced to send around 50 pupils home after they tested positive for the H1N1 strain of the flu this week.

Years nine and ten have been hit hardest at the public school, which has set up an online learning system so students can continue working from home. Two members of staff have also been sent home ill.

Marketing director Sue Hird said: “The day pupils and children who live near enough have gone home but we are caring for some boarders who are unable to go home, in the medical centre.

Swine flu vaccines began arriving at hospitals across Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Lancashire yesterday.

Frontline staff, along with inpatients who are believed to be ‘at risk’, will be first in line for the jabs while batches of the drug will be delivered to the area’s GP practices on Monday.

The Health Protection Agency’s influenza head for Cumbria and Lancashire, Dr Steven Gee, said: “In extreme cases people die, so no-one should assume that they will escape with a mild illness.

“Vaccination is the best line of defence against swine flu.”