More than 100 primary school pupils have been told to self-isolate after two children tested positive for Covid-19 - the second such incident in one town today.

The start of term has descended into chaos in Sittingbourne after two children in South Avenue Primary School's Year 1 and 5 bubbles and one Year 6 pupil at St Peter's Catholic Primary School tested positive .

Highsted Grammar School for Girls, also in Sittingbourne, is also believed to have told pupils to self-isolate. The secondary school has been contacted for comment.

After alerting Public Health England, staff at South Avenue decided to tell all 120 pupils across both year groups to stay at home for 14 days.

Alan Brookes, who is in charge of the academy trust governing the school, said: "It is clear that the children did not contract the virus whilst at school.

"It is hoped that the swift action taken will prove effective in ensuring that there is no further spread of the disease within the community.

"Letters provided by Public Health England have been sent to all parents appraising them of the situation and offering further guidance."

The letter sent to parents said: "The school will remain open for years R, 2, 3, 4 and 6 and providing your child remains well they can continue to attend school as normal.

"Due to our rigorous social distancing and timetabling of bubbles your child/children will not have had direct contact with those children who have tested positive.

"We will keep this under review."

St Peter's is run and managed by the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership. A spokesman for the trust said they wish the pupil a speedy recovery.

It said: "We have had a confirmed case of Covid-19 involving one of our Year 6 pupils within St Peter’s.

"Please be reassured that for most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

"The pupil has only been in close contact with pupils and members of staff within the school’s Year 6 bubble.

"All pupils and staff members within this bubble have already been advised to remain at home to self-isolate for the next 14 days, as a precaution, in line with the advice we have received from Public Health England."

The statement acknowledged parents would feel concerned but reassured them staff are "working closely" with Public Health England.

They went on to say the school will continue to operate as normal, outside of the bubble which has been isolated, within the 'Covid-secure' guidance.

A spokesman confirmed there is one class in the year group, meaning the whole year has been advised to self-isolate.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne