A COLLEGE has cancelled a trip to Italy later this month due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Colchester Institute has decided to cancel catering students' trip to Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome after receiving updated advice from the Government.

Italy is the worst affect country in Europe by the outbreak, with its northern region, of which Venice is the capital, particularly affected.

The Government there has shut all schools and all sports games are being played behind closed doors.

More than 3,000 cases of the condition have been diagnosed there since the outbreak began, with at least 117 being fatal.

Last month the college said the trip was set to go ahead but admitted the situation was rapidly changing.

A Colchester Institute spokesman said: "The college have been closely monitoring Government advice relating to coronavirus, and in response to particular changes to Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice regarding returning from Italy, we have cancelled the trip.

"We regret the students will lose this great opportunity but ultimately the wellbeing of all must be the priority.

"All students will be refunded and we have already confirmed this to the students and parents involved.”