A pool complex has been closed to the public after heavy thunderstorms affected electricity to the pool building.

A statement from Sheppey Leisure Complex said the team was having difficulty opening to the public following the storm last night.

Engineers are at the site off The Broadway in Sheerness to rectify the issue.

It said: "Following heavy storms last night we currently have no electricity within the Pool building and as such we are unable to open to the public.

"We apologise for the frustration this may cause, our technical team are working extensively to rectify this issue.

"Swimming lesson pupils will be contacted with regards to cancellations. Once again sorry for the inconvenience this may cause."

This morning disappointed school children turned up with their teachers for swimming lessons but were turned away.

Pool manager Paul Caulfield said: "We came in at 6am and found the power to the plant room had been knocked out during last night's storm.

"It is deeply disappointing. We hate turning people away, especially school children having swimming lessons. It is an important skill especially living on an island. But this is something out of our control. It was one of those acts of God - a force of nature.

"Unfortunately, we have no idea when we will be open again. We have an electrician on site but even when we get power back we will need to check the chemical composition and temperature of the water before we can allow the public back in."

Updates will be announced on social media and here.

The pool's power cut came after homes were flooded and fire crews swamped with 60 emergency callouts in an hour.

This afternoon bosses issued the following statement: "Unfortunately UK Power Networks have still not got the power back on.

"We have been informed that they should be attending the fault at approximately 4pm but can still not guarantee a time for power to be restored.

"Bearing in mind that our pool plant and boilers have been off for at least 10 hours it will take a period of time to ensure adequate temperatures and chemical levels are restored.

"As such we regret to inform you that the pool will be closed for the rest of the day and we hope to reopen as usual tomorrow morning. We have been doing our best to inform all swimming lessons, aqua aerobics and swim clubs.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Appeal

The Aviation Museum at Eastchurch, Sheppey, has pleaded for humidifiers to help dry out the building after it was flooded during last night's storm.

Manager Peter West said: "Due to the museum building suffering some flooding during last night's storm we will not be opening tomorrow (Thursday).

"If anyone locally can assist us with loaning any dehumidifiers to help us dry the building out quickly, we should be most grateful."

For details call 07450 621217.