Mothers whose children were born with the same rare birth defects are due to meet with health officials to discuss a second investigation into their case.

Kent director of public health, Meradin Peacheycorr, ruled earlier this year that there had not been more children diagnosed with gastroschisis in Waterdales, Northfleet, than would be expected.

The condition, where the bowel grows outside the abdomen, affects one in 7,000 births across Britain.

However, Ms Peachey added that there were still "unanswered questions" and agreed to continue working with the mums.

A meeting between them, Ms Peachey, Gravesham MP Adam Holloway and other health representatives is now scheduled for October 19.

Nine women whose children had been diagnosed with the birth defect came forward in February and Kent’s public health team launched an investigation into a possible cluster of cases in the area from 2001 to 2012.

Sonia Dalton, 35, of Epsom Close, whose daughter Mikka was diagnosed with gastroschisis in 2008, said she believed the meeting would be "very interesting" and is hoping for a "positive" outcome.

At the time of the report findings she said she did not believe the cases were a "coincidence".

The mothers believed they may have found a possible cause after researching the banned chemical atrazine.

The chemical is at the centre of a lawsuit contested by legal activist Erin Brockovich, who wants water companies to remove it from supplies.

Atrazine was banned by the European Union in 2004, but high levels were discovered in Northfleet during a ground water study four years later.

American research shows a link between the chemical and an increase in gastroschisis cases.