A SPECIAL secondary school will get hi-tech communication equipment in time for next term, without which the move from primary would be ‘akin to being in a foreign country’ for some children.

The Oaks Secondary School, in Spennymoor, County Durham, will purchase eye gaze technology similar to that used by Professor Stephen Hawking and have it up and running by September.

The equipment will be available to pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities and will be particularly useful to two youngsters who will start the school this summer.

Deputy headteacher Helen Crawford said: “It is really exciting to be getting such a powerful tool that will enable us to communicate more fully with young people and for them to communicate with us.

“For a couple of young people coming in September who are heavily reliant on eye gaze for communication and interaction it will be vital.

“They have it in their primary school and use it at home so to not have it here would be akin to being in a foreign country.

“One boy in particular is very limited physically but has a lot about him, for him it is most important.

“Their families are over the moon and other young people will benefit from it.”

Funds for the equipment were donated to the school by the grant giving charity A Smile for a Child.

Founder Chris Read, of Newton Aycliffe, completed a 12 hour duathlon, alternating between an hour of running and an hour of cycling on a tandem bike with charity volunteer Andrew Starkey.

Mr Read got to know about the school through Lisa Wood, a parent and zealous supporter of the Friends of The Oaks.

He said: “We raise money and we give it away, that’s it. We came to the school and found out what they needed and were delighted to be able to help.

“It is a friendship that will continue.”

Mr Read joined pupils and staff for a treadmill marathon last month, which raised £420 of the £4,000 needed.

The target was met thanks to a donation of around £1,000 from LED Supply and Fit, of Newton Aycliffe, which did a sponsored race against The Lab martial arts gym in Darlington.

Boss Paul Makepeace said he was keen for staff and his business to support a local good cause and was thrilled with what A Smile for a Child and The Oaks had been able to do with the money.

Mr Starkey said the charity, school and local businesses are now linked and can continue to support one another.

Mrs Crawford added: “We’re so grateful.”