MORE than 400 laptops are being given to children in the town to help them with their school studies.

The youngsters are benefitting from a government scheme to provide laptop computers for vulnerable children and young people.

The Department for Education allocated 410 laptops to Darlington Borough Council, with the first ones distributed last week.

The aim of the scheme is to enable eligible children and young people to access online learning, as well as keeping in touch with their social worker.

The council has also sourced 150 sets of sports equipment from Tees Valley Sport, including tennis racquets, balls, cones and bean bags, as well as suggested games and activity cards to help children stay active this summer.

Care leavers and children with a social worker are among those eligible.

Councillor Jon Clarke, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Like the government, this council is committed to ensuring that children do not fall behind as a result of coronavirus, regardless of their background.

“I am proud that the council has been able to deliver the first batch of laptops to children and young people who need them. I hope the young people get lot of use out of their laptops and I would be pleased to hear how they are getting on with them.”