A BIG-hearted business boss has provided youngsters at a North Yorkshire school with an early Christmas present.

With their existing laptops at the end of their functional life,Grewelthorpe CE primary school had previously applied for a grant to fund 10 desperately needed new computers, but narrowly missed out on the funding which went to another local charity.

Having heard of the school’s situation, Matthew Kinsell, owner of the Leisure World Group, presented the school with a cheque for £660 towards the cost of new machines which will be used in every class in the school, from nursery to year six.

Matthew’s daughters Holly and Bethany both attend the school, so he had first-hand knowledge of the difference the new computers will make to the day-to-day teaching in the classroom.

“It’s a privilege to be able to support our local primary school, ensuring children continue to flourish as a consequence,” he said.

“As business owners we are all too aware of how vital computers and computer literacy are within the work place, in order to prosper in these modern times. We hope that the new computers will make life much easier for the team of educators and create a solid foundation for the children’s development."

Head teacher Karen Butler said the donation would make a huge difference to the pupils at the school.

“It is absolutely brilliant. The pupils use the laptops in virtually every subject, not just for IT and coding. There is so much software that can support and enhance the children’s learning. Now they will be able to use up-to-date equipment and we’re thrilled," she said