TESTS have been carried out on a number of people with suspected swine flu in East Lancashire.

Hospital bosses said a handful of patients, believed to number around 10, with severe flu symptoms had all been tested at Royal Blackburn Hospital for the highly contagious virus.

All had either recently returned from Mexico or been in contact with someone who had.

Hospital staff yesterday were able to say that none of the cases being investigated tested positive for the deadly strain, which has swept the Central American country.

The Health Protection Agency however did confirm that the bug was coming closer to Lancashire, with a case confirmed in Merseyside yesterday afternoon bringing the UK total to more than 10.

The first person-to-person infection in the UK was also recorded yesterday, with a hospital receptionist catching swine flu after contact with Iain and Dawn Askham, the first two British sufferers.

The couple, from Falkirk in Scotland, are believed to have contracted the virus on a plane as they returned from their Honeymoon in Cancun.

Mark Walkingshaw, director of communications at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I can confirm that in common with other hospitals across the country a small number of individuals have presented with flu type symptoms and have been routinely treated and swabbed in line with the latest advice from the Department of Health.

“This advice has been issued to all key staff and followed in full.

“I can also confirm that to date there have not been any patients that have tested positive to swine flu here or indeed anywhere in Lancashire.”

NHS East Lancashire is taking the lead in all emergency planning and responses should the virus break out in the county.

The trust, based in Nelson, would co-ordinate the distributuion of anti-viral drugs if deemed necessary as well as dispensing information and advice.

With the number of cases being confirmed worldwide police said they were also prepared to implement emergency contingency plans if the swine flu outbreak hits Lancashire.

All forces across the country have a responsibility to produce business continuity plans to ensure that a public service can be maintained when faced with a pandemic.

A police spokesman said: “Police forces have plans in place which are well tested to ensure we are ready to respond when required.

“However well developed, plans are unlikely to be successful without the active support of individuals and communities.

"Therefore, it is essential that the public follow government advice and adopt basic hygiene measures to manage or reduce their own risk of catching or spreading the virus.

"Ensuring that all of us are fully aware of the necessary precautionary measures and cooperate with guidance is an integral part of our overall preparedness strategy.”