A GRAND charity ball is the first event to find an alternative venue in the wake of the severe sickness bug that has swept through Southampton Football Club.

Lawyers from Southampton-based College Chambers were due to hold the black tie event at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday night, but they will now hold the prestigious fundraiser at the city's De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

As revealed in the Daily Echo on Tuesday, a vomiting bug believed to be the Norwalk virus struck guests and staff at functions from April 4 to last Saturday's match against Aston Villa.

Since Tuesday, the Daily Echo has received reports of 77 people believed to be suffering from the virus after visiting the club. Hospitality rooms on floor one of the stadium - where match day hospitality packages cost about £135 - were shut for 48 hours from yesterday morning in a bid to stamp out the bug.

City council environmental health chiefs are awaiting the results of tests.

College Chambers barrister Derek Marshall said he had made a joint agreement with the club to find another venue.

He said: "The club believe they have isolated the source of this and the premises may be safe for us to use.

"However, neither the city council nor the club can guarantee that there will not be a recurrence because this is a particularly difficult virus to eliminate.

"We are grateful to Southampton Football Club for its assistance, and responsible attitude to this unforeseen problem, that is beyond their control and ours."

A club spokesman said staff had been keeping clients informed about the situation. He said: "The club are obviously disappointed to lose a prestigious event such as this after a lot of work from several different parties.

"We were looking forward to helping the charity raise a considerable amount of money, but following discussions with the organisers we remain confident that this will not affect our ongoing relationship.

"The club has been very proactive in contacting our clients and advising them of options. Although the club believe there is minimal risk, we believe it is important clients are able to make their decisions in possession of all the relevant information."