STUDENTS have united to bring a derelict tea room in a park back to life as an internet cafe.

Pupils from four Gravesham schools have taken on the task of refurbishing and reopening the tea room in Woodlands Park, Gravesend, which has been derelict for two years.

They hope to open the internet cafe in the next few weeks, and will run it and the surrounding leisure facilities, which includes tennis courts, for three years.

Students at Saint George's CofE School devised the project and invited pupils from Thamesview School, St John’s Catholic Comprehensive and Northfleet School for Girls to help them.

Andy Southgate, assistant head at Saint George's, said: "The students came up with the idea of improving facilities for the local community as part of an enterprise competition in school.

“This project was the winning entry, so we contacted Gravesham Council to see if they were keen and they said draw up a business plan and let us know.

“They liked our plan as it included other schools in the area and will be run by students."

The students have a budget of £16,000 for the makeover, with funding coming from the government, Kent County Council (KCC) and the schools, and they have worked with local contractors.

KCC managing director for children, families and education, Rosalind Turner, praised the pupils for the scheme.

She said: “This project is a fine example of students putting their theory to the test. This will also be a benefit to the community.”