AN £85million scheme to overhaul special needs education in the county has been announced.

The scheme follows Kent County Council's (KCC) pioneering review of the county's 27 special needs schools in 2002, with public consultations coming to an end.

The KCC scheme to rebuild and refurbish schools starts this summer.

It will provide facilities for 2,980 children with special needs.

Cabinet member for education standards Councillor Paul Carter said: "The investment of £85m will ensure every special school in Kent is fit to meet the needs of the children educated there."