A HOST of Darlington businesses have answered Peter Gibson's appeal to provide laptops for children at Skerne Park Academy.

The Darlington MP made the appeal after learning that a number of pupils from the primary school on Coleridge Gardens did not have the devices as they need to enable remote learning during the third national coronavirus lockdown.

Local and Darlington-based including Hellens Group, Latimer Hinks Solicitors, Recognition PR and Wharton Construction, have together pledged to source and donate 12 new devices to the school.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of local developer Hellens Group, which is donating five laptops, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the local community in any way we can.

"Community is at the heart of our work at Hellens Group and children are at the heart of the community.”

Elizabeth Armstrong, managing director at Latimer Hinks Solicitors, which is donating three laptops to Skerne Park Primary and a further three to Darlington Education Village, said: “The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been felt nowhere more keenly, than by children and young people who have been asked to sacrifice so much.

"It’s essential that they are, at least, afforded the opportunity to continue their learning. We are very pleased to be able to help.”

Matthew Wharton, director of Wharton Construction, donating two laptops, said his firm is also pleased to help in keeping Darlington children connected. 

Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington, said: “I’d like to thank these businesses from the bottom of my heart, I know that it’s going to make a big difference to the children.

“I’ve been working very closely with a number of schools, Darlington Borough Council and a number of other businesses and charities to ensure local children have access to learning. I have also met with Minister Nick Gibb to press the case for schools in Darlington have all the devices that they need.

“Already in Darlington more than 1,000 devices have been delivered by the Department for Education.

“Children and young people across Darlington are being asked to sacrifice so many things during this lockdown – it’s vital that preserving the life chances afforded by education is not one of them, particularly in the most deprived areas of our town.”

Businesses interested in contributing to Peter’s appeal can contact peter.gibson.mp@parliament.uk for more information. 

  • The Northern Echo has joined forces with rival publishers across the North to launch the Cash for Connectivity appeal and ensure children can access online learning at home. To donate to the fundraiser visit gofundme.com/f/cash-for-connectivity-laptops-for-kids