A CAMPAIGN set up to provide laptops for pupils in Crewe homeschooling during the lockdown has handed out more than 70 devices.

The group says there was a void in provision for lower income families locally and have thanked the public for showing generosity donating older equipment.

So far 55 devices have been delivered to five schools across both Crewe and Nantwich, while a further 16 have been promised by local business to be passed to schools in the coming days.

The group has set an initial target of 100 devices.

Group founder, Crewe Labour councillor Anthony Critchley said: "We felt we had to do something practical for the children and families in our area. The public have really bought in to the project and the number of donations has been heart-warming."

A band of dedicated volunteers have lent their support to the campaign, including Nic Bunting, of The Nantwich Computer Consultant in Nantwich and Crewe-based IT expert Paul Clarke, who have spent time refurbishing devices. While Jayne Wright, from Shavington has been collecting and delivering donated devices.

Cllr Sally Handley said: "This project has shown yet again that when there is a need, the people in our community step up and go above and beyond.

"At Cheshire East Council's children's and families committee last week questions were asked about the rollout of devices for home-learning and although the authority isn't administrating the provision, it was apparent that the number of devices handed out by the government is woefully inadequate, which is in line with the conversations I have recently had with school staff."

"As one of the Mental Health Champions on the council I am concerned for the mental health of not only children but also their families who have taken on the addition pressures of working and learning from home since March last year."

The group says it has been in contact with local business leaders, including Doug Kinsman, operations director at SG World, to spread the message to other businesses in the area.

"It is great to have the support of local businesses, especially at such a time where many are struggling. It gives us the possibility to talk about furthering the campaign to a project, where there are tangible outcomes for all to see and benefit from," added Cllr Critchley, who would like to see local project developed on a permanent basis to train youngsters in refurbishing tech.

'Lockdown laptops for home learning in Crewe & Nantwich' are still taking donations and they can be found on Facebook here.