The pupils came in two-by-two... and just kept coming to Upton Junior School in Broadstairs, in what is believed to be a record influx of twins.

Staff thought they were seeing double as seven sets of twins arrived to take their places in Year 3 at the start of the new school year.

Amazingly, however, five further sets of twins had unsuccessfully applied to join the school.

Head teacher Michaela Lewis said: “I don’t know what it is about this year group but I have never known so many twins starting junior school together in all my years of teaching. It is quite incredible.”

Staff have used their ingenuity to tell the siblings apart, including noting different coloured glasses, tiny birth marks and style of shoes.

The twins have revealed unique mannerisms which also helps staff tell which twin is which, and they also tend to enjoy different subjects.

Mrs Lewis said: “When the twins gathered for a photocall for the school’s website news page, it was clear that, like all siblings, they do have their differences. But one thing they all agree on is that Upton is twice as much fun together.”

The seven sets of twins at Upton may be a landmark figure for Kent, but it doesn't come close to the UK record.

An amazing 19 sets of twins started at in Ardgowan Primary School in Greenock, Inverclyde, earlier this year.