Managers at a council-run swimming pool are today expecting results of water tests, taken after youngsters developed a mysterious rash.

Environmental officers have been analysing water samples to find out if it is safe to reopen Peers Swimming Pool in Sandy Lane West, Littlemore, Oxford.

The pool is attached to Peers School and is regularly used by children from Mabel Prichard Special School, also in Littlemore.

Children aged between five and 11 broke out in a rash on their stomachs and elbows after taking part in a holiday play scheme at Peers.

Lifeguards immediately called out environmental health officers and the pool was closed. It will not reopen until experts give the all clear.

The pool's filter system was recently overhauled costing several thousand of pounds, and were said to be in full working order, ruling out the possibility that chemical imbalances could have been to blame.

Mark Bowler, sports and leisure manager for Peers pool, said: "The filter readings were checked and are in order.

"We have heard nothing more from the environmental health officers at the moment.

"We are not really any closer to understanding what caused the rash.

"It was described as being like a mild nettle rash, which led us to believe it could be a result of bacteria on foam floats. That has happened before."

Environmental health officer Ian Wright said the water samples were being checked by experts. They have been asked to test for both e-coli bacteria and Pseudomonas, which can be associated with itchy rashes.