Council workers inadvertently triggered a stranger danger warning at a primary school near Sittingbourne after approaching children after class.

It was reported a man and a woman had gone up to pupils in nearby Balas Drive park, Sonora Fields, to ask if they wanted to join a football club.

The youngsters were then asked for their names which were then recorded on a chart.

Yesterday, Bobbing Village School in Sheppey Way, sent a letter to parents following on from the encounter the previous week.

Head teacher Katrine Stewart said: "The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of the utmost importance therefore the pupils will have a PSHE session where teachers will address the importance of not sharing personal information as well as stranger awareness."

She added that the school has contacted the "relevant agencies" to inform them of the incident.

Swale member for The Meads, Cllr James Hunt (Con) has since taken to social media to explain the people who approached the children were genuine council officials.

"The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of the utmost importance..." - Katrine Stewart

He said: "I'm aware that parents of Bobbing School received an email about children being approached at Balas Drive play area.

"There's no concern though as these are youth workers for Swale Youth Hub (SYH) who are delivering youth services every Wednesday between 4pm and 5.30pm.

"Any children over eight years old can go along and take part in activities for free. SYH has now been in touch with the school.

"The service is being provided with funding from my members' grant fund and will be running up until Christmas.

"I will be meeting with the service provider to discuss further funding for the future."

Cllr Hunt added: "The youth club hadn't advertised what they were going to do so it was understandable the school sent out a letter.

"Organisers have identification and should be able to give contact details if they need to be verified so it's always best for people to check if they're approached."

Cllr Hunt donated funds to the group after it committed to helping youngsters in The Meads area.

Kent County Council and Bobbing Village School were contacted for comment.

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