The farm at the centre of an E.Coli outbreak has partially reopened.

The petting zoo at the centre of an E.coli outbreak that left several children seriously ill has partially reopened.

Godstone Farm, near Redhill, Surrey, shut on September 12 after visitors were diagnosed with the potentially fatal O157 strain of the bug.

A total of 93 people were affected by the outbreak, the Health Protection Agency said, and an independent investigation into its origins has been launched.

All animal areas on the farm remain closed to the public, with only the play areas reopening.

In a statement posted on the farm's website, its owners said the children who became ill are "still on their minds".

Tandridge District Council said it was convinced there was no longer any risk to the public.

A spokesman said: "The council is satisfied there is no imminent risk to visitors using play equipment and the farm has given assurances visitors will have no contact with animals."

The message was backed-up by a Health Protection Agency spokesman, who stated: "The HPA considers any risks in those areas of the farm that are reopening to the public to have been reduced to levels comparable to those generally found in the countryside in the vicinity of farms."

Tracy Mock, whose two-year-old twins spent weeks in hospital fighting the bug following a visit to the farm, said she was surprised it had reopened before an investigation into the cause of the outbreak had been completed.

"I was totally shocked to hear it had opened again. I certainly wouldn't take my kids there. It's the last place I'd take them," Mrs Mock said.