Pupils have been told to go home after a power cut struck the area this morning.

The Hundred of Hoo Academy in Hoo St Werburgh, near Strood, has shut its doors to its secondary-age students today.

The all-through academy, which has more than 1,700 pupils aged from four to 18, says the decision affects those from Year 7 onwards.

A statement from the school earlier today said: “Due to a power cut in the local area we have taken the difficult decision to close the academy today.

“Online learning will resume from period 2 (9.40am) via pupils’ Google classrooms.

“This will allow plenty of time for staff and pupils to get home safely.

“Further updates will be provided later in the day.”

Information released by UK Power Networks confirmed the outage was planned, and had been affecting those in the ME3 9 area since 9am.

The company said the power was not expected to be back on until sometime between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

A statement explained: “Following on from a customer’s request, we are diverting an overhead electricity cable at Allhallows Leisure Park – now Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park – to allow for the safe development work in your area.

“Once this work has been completed, this will reduce the risk of you having an unplanned power cut whilst these development works are being carried out and also ensures the works are carried out in a safe environment.”

It comes just two days after more than 1,000 properties were affected by a power outage across Strood.

People living in eight different postcodes were left without electricity for more than nine hours on Tuesday (December 12).