A student was taken to hospital following an accident at a prep school.

An ambulance and two paramedic cars were sent to Saint Ronan's, Hawkhurst at 1.40pm yesterday, after a Year 6 girl fell and hit her head while playing.

An air ambulance was also called, and landed on a field at the Water Lane school, but was not needed.

The youngster was taken to Conquest Hospital in St Leonards-on-Sea and is understood to be recovering well.

A spokesman for the school said: "We were so impressed by the speed and professionalism of our staff, the brilliance of the children and above all, the medical assistance which dashed to our aid. We have a trained nurse here in attendance, but the emergency services were here in a flash to offer support.

"The girl is fine and the helicopter went back empty handed. She had to be told not to come into school today. She is considered a bit of a hero, especially giving her friends the thrill of a real helicopter landing on the top pitch.

"We are already talking about how we can raise money for the air ambulance as our next charity fundraiser."

The £5,810-a-term school, which also offers boarding facilities, was named Prep School of the Year by Tatler magazine last month.