Anti-vaxxers have staged a protest outside a school and handed out leaflets to pupils.

Parents have been told the group will be pitching up outside various Canterbury schools this week following the gathering at Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School this morning.

In an email sent to parents by the school, it said: "There was a small group undertaking a peaceful anti-vaccination protest on the pavement outside of the school this morning.

"We have been informed that they will be visiting different Canterbury schools this week.

"Leaflets were being handed out, and some students may bring copies of these home.

"Please note that these leaflets were not provided by the school.

"The school supervised the demonstration - it ended at approximately 8:50am."

The demonstration comes as the government prepares to make a decision on whether to offer the vaccine to all healthy 12 to 15-year-olds, despite advisers deciding against recommending a mass rollout.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) decided against backing the move on health grounds alone because Covid-19 presents such a low risk to younger teenagers.

But Professor Chris Whitty and the three other chief medical officers in the UK are reviewing the wider benefits of vaccinating the age group, such as minimising school absences, and are expected to present their findings within days.

About six million children are believed to have avoided contracting coronavirus so far.

The government is awaiting expert advice before making a final decision but ministers have indicated they are keen on authorising a wider rollout.

A poll of KentOnline readers found the majority of people are in favour of children having the jab.

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