A Monmouth woman is warning of the dangers of Blandford flies after a severe reaction to its bite left her bed-bound for several days.

Christine Hoffman from the Kymin was bitten on the lower leg last Monday (20th May) and is still recovering from the after-effects.

"I was just working in my allotment on Monday, and when I came in there was some slight prickling in my leg," said Christine.

"But then it started throbbing and got worse and worse, I didn't sleep a wink on Monday night.

"I ached from head to foot on Tuesday. I was lethargic, feverish and restless. I haven't felt that ill in 30 years; it's worse than flu."

Within 24 hours of the bite, Christine's leg had swollen up to twice its normal size and a large blister was covering much of the area, leaving her bed-bound for more than three days.

The Blandford fly is just 2-3mm long and most common in the Dorset area. It is also found in other south-western counties.

Its bite is painless at the time but the symptoms, which usually develop after 24 hours, include swelling, blistering, fever and joint pain. The fly was responsible for 500 allergic reaction reports in Herefordshire in 2011.

The NHS recommends covering up with knee-high Wellington boots when walking through long grass, near rivers and streams and using insect repellent to avoid bites.