Pupils in two year groups at a school have been told to self isolate after two confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Youngsters in Year 8 and Year 9 classes at The Sittingbourne School, Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne , were told to stay home in a letter sent to parents yesterday.

Head teacher Yvette Peden looked to reassure parents by saying coronavirus is a "mild illness for most people".

She said: "We have identified, with advice from Public Health England, that there has been two confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school community.

"We have written to parents of those children in the affected Year 8 and Year 9 classes, and these children have been instructed to self-isolate from this point onwards.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with PHE.

"This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice. Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness.

"The school remains open and your child should continue to attend as normal if they remain well."

The letter continued, advising parents what to do if they or their child now develop symptoms of Covid-19 as well as reminding them to keep safe by washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitiser, covering your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you sneeze and putting used tissues in the bin.

It comes a day after Sittingbourne's largest school confirmed five more cases of the virus and with infections rates in the Swale borough continuing to rise.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne