A school has begun searches on pupils' bags in a bid to crackdown on unhealthy eating.

Charles Dickens school in Broadstairs is carrying out checks every morning and confiscating sweets, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and multi-pack sized junk food and drink.

The school says it comes after a "deterioration in concentration, learning and behaviour".

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Head teacher, Mr Morgan, said: “Before the Christmas break all parents, students and staff were informed that the school would be extending the Healthy Schools Policy further in January 2018 by monitoring carefully what students were bringing into school to eat and drink.

"We had noticed a deterioration in concentration, learning and behaviour particular from students bringing into school large multi-packs of unhealthy food, snacks and drinks.

"Since the introduction of this policy, which we are delighted to have the support of the majority of parents and students, we have seen a significant improvement in student concentration, attitude to learning and improved behaviour.”

The school has a new catering provider, Independent Catering, which serves healthy food from local farmers, including organic produce.

A statement on the school's website says: "From term 3, 4 January, sweets, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and multi-pack sizes of unhealthy food/drink are not allowed to be brought into school.

"Bag checks will take place every morning and any found will be confiscated and not returned to students."

The school has been asked what will be done with food and drink which is confiscated.