The Rotary Club of Chippenham is working with Priority IT in Westbury to get refurbished laptops and tablets to young people.

Last summer the club looked at how they could help the community amidst the Covid-19 crisis as it could not do its usual fundraising.

Instead, when they found out Priority IT were refurbishing laptops for school pupils, the club put out an appeal to see how many they could donate.

Club president Rick Squires said: “That initial appeal last year produced 20 laptops.

“But with schools closing again in the new lockdown, the club decided to put out an appeal to the local community for old laptops.

“Using its own social media pages, community social media and club members own contacts, since January 3 the club has collected over 40 laptops and tablets.”

Once the club has collected a few devices, Priority IT inspects the machines, wipes off any data and refurbishes those machines that can be reused by pupils.

Priority IT are also working with Wiltshire Digital Drive who then pass on the machines to a young person, or family in need in Wiltshire.

The machines must have a Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system and a working keyboard and screen.

Mr Squires added: “Most of our club members are parents or grandparents and we know how important education is.

“And we know that access to IT is vital – especially during homeschooling. So, we are really pleased to be a small part of this worthwhile project.”

Club secretary Lyn Crabtree, who has coordinated the collections, said: “Every day this week someone from the club has dropped in some equipment.

“One member found three old laptops at home that were in a cupboard following a house move.

“Then another member has been collecting laptops from various places around the area including Corsham and Box.

“Other members have obtained equipment from neighbours. The response is wonderful.”