A FOOD bug outbreak that struck down nearly 100 people over three weeks has finally peaked, health officials have confirmed.

Medical specialists were first alerted to a spate of salmonella cases on Tuesday, July 27.

The number of cases then rose steadily. Earlier this week there were 98 confirmed cases, four suspected cases, and two people still in hospital.

Experts believe the worst is now over. Dr Deb Wilson, chairman of the Health Protection Agency's Outbreak Control Team, said: "We have passed the peak.

"It is possible that, over the next week, we might get a few more cases. But the number of cases we have been getting each day has certainly been decreasing.

"The number of cases is very large. But most of the cases that have been coming through over the past week are not people who have recently been unwell - they have been unwell over a week ago."

The outbreak is believed to centre around the popular Robson's Fresh Foods store in Front Street, Stanley.

Derwentside District Council closed it down with an emergency prohibition order on July 29.

Last week, retired lorry driver Brian Hume underwent surgery after contracting the bug.