Generations of Island children spent countless hours in former classrooms, many now reduced to piles of rubble.

The old Isle of Sheppey Academy buildings in Jefferson Road, Sheerness, are being demolished to make way for increased parking, a football pitch and a gardening area.

In the past it was known as Cheyne Middle School, Lady Anne Cheyne, Sir Thomas Cheyne and Sheerness Central School.

The former Minster College and Sheppey Comprehensive site, in Minster Road, Minster, is being cleared to make way for a cricket pitch.

The work is being carried out by Monkton-based company DDS Demolition.

Its managing director, Wesley Ray, said: “We always appreciate that some of the buildings we demolish hold certain positive sentiments for the local community, none more so the demolition of a school which will have played a key role in the development of multiple family generations.

“This is why we always try to think of it as clearing the way for future development, not the razing of structures.”