A WEST Cumbrian college has been declared safe to reopen more than 24 hours after a mystery illness prompted an evacuation.

The Energy Coast University Technical College at Lillyhall was evacuated on Thursday and surrounding roads closed after a number of students felt unwell.

Two students passed out and another was taken ill.

Other students - their number said to be in double figures - reported having headaches and feeling dizzy.

One student was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven for treatment, but was discharged later the same day.

A multi-agency inspection today found no conclusive evidence to suggest any specific cause for the illness.

Nick O’Key, area manager at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said: "Our investigation into the safety of the building and cause of the conditions of a number of students has concluded.

"I can confirm that there was no apparent causes for illness and that the building has now been confirmed as a safe to reopen.”

Gary Jones, principal, said: "We have worked closely with multi-agency response group as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff. Our upmost priority was there safety and I can confirm that the college will return to business as usual from Monday.

"I was very impressed by the emergency response.

"The college was evacuated in four minutes and the emergency service response was second to none.

"I suggest that the most likely cause was viral."

Overnight, the school's air bearing systems were checked by engineers and the college was given a deep clean.