More than 200 pupils have been sent home early from school because of a power cut.

Finberry Primary School in Ashford has been forced to close, as the power outage has caused heating, lighting and toilets to fail.

The school day usually ends at 3.15pm, but it was cut short when the power supply failed.

Parents were asked to collect their children at their "earliest convenience" at around 12.20pm.

A message sent to parents said: "Unfortunately the school is closing due to a major power cut. Please can you collect your child at your earliest convenience.

"If you are unable to arrange for someone to collect your child please contact us on 01233 622686.

"We apologise for the inconvenience."

A spokesman at The Stour Academy Trust said: "Staff at Finberry had been working tirelessly to keep the school open during a major electrical malfunction.

"Unfortunately as we were unable to provide heating, lighting and toilet and hand washing facilities, we were left with no alternative but to close the school.

"Our parents were contacted to explain the situation and are well aware that closing the school is a last resort. This is the first time the school has ever closed since its inception in 2015.

"Our premises team and electrical contractors are working to restore power to the school and we expect to open as normal tomorrow."

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