Children as young as five have already started learning a second language thanks to a popular after-school club.

Wenda Veeramootoo, 35, teaches French to Year 1 and 2 pupils at Dartford Bridge Community Primary School every Tuesday.

The classes are held for an hour and have already proved to be a popular addition to the school’s line-up of extra-curricular activities.

Mrs Veeramootoo, who lives on the Bridge Estate where the school is based, said: “Pupils at the school do languages from Year 5 and 6, but I am teaching Year 1 and 2 at the moment.

“It started in October and it has been very popular so far.

“Some parents are asking me if I will be doing it more often next year.”

To make sure the classes are appealing to their younger target audience, Mrs Veeramootoo does not rely on text books and lots of written exercises.

Instead the youngsters have been learning basic phrases through far more enjoyable means.

“I teach them songs. We play games and things like that,” the teacher explained.

“It definitely makes it more fun for the children to learn.”