Children are set to return to their school after it had to be renovated following a major fire.

Rodermersham Primary, near Sittingbourne, will welcome back pupils almost seven months after the blaze ripped through the building.

Children have been attending lessons at Bapchild and Tonge Primary School and Canterbury Road Primary School during the works.

Head teacher Nicky McMullon confirmed the school will be reopening on Monday, May 13 with work expected to be completed three days before.

She told KentOnline pupils, parents and staff have faced “challenges” during the rebuild and are “excited” to have classes take place at the school again.

“It is fantastic news as it has been challenging, especially logistically,” she added.

“I would like to thank the schools for making our children feel comfortable during this period.

“It has been hard for the staff, parents and pupils but they have been absolutely fantastic.

“We have just kept on going to make sure we did not stop maintaining our standards and expectations.”

The building, which sits on Rodmersham Green and dates back to the 1880s, had to be stripped bare following the fire on October 26.

Four fire engines and a crane were called to the school at 7pm with crews remaining at the scene for around three hours.

The fire service confirmed it started accidentally as a result of repair work being carried out on the roof of the school due to a leak.

Cllr Monique Bonney, (Swale Independents Alliance) who lives near the school and represents West Downs on Swale council, said at the time she was “absolutely heartbroken” by the damage to the building.

The blaze took place during the October half-term, with pupils attending school online before returning to face-to-face learning.

During the renovations, three industrial skips and 30 confidential waste bins were filled over four days.

Then work began removing carpets and walls to allow for the renovation, which has seen the classrooms updated.

A fundraiser was set up within hours of the fire and has brought in more than £7,000 in donations to replace supplies and equipment lost to the flames.

The school has around 100 children on its roll.