A PARTNERSHIP which supports disadvantaged children across Warrington has won a prestigious award.

Laptops for Kids, a charitable organisation, joined forces with Warrington Borough Council to support children across the town who are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The partnership will be presented the High Sheriff of Cheshire Award by the High Sheriff, Robert Mee DL, on December 7.

The council has also been working with The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) and Warrington Youth Club to repurpose the donated laptops from local businesses, organisations and individuals – ensuring they get to the children who need them most.

The laptops are given to Warrington’s disadvantaged young people and families through schools, free of charge, so they can access the technology they need to participate in remote learning.

This allows them to do the schoolwork they couldn’t do without a computer.

Businesses such as Jacobs, Vaultex, and Sellafield Ltd have donated laptops, desktop computers, and other pieces of equipment to support the scheme.

So far, 271 laptops and 59 desktop computers have been donated to local children.

Cllr Sarah Hall, cabinet member for children's services, said: “It’s fantastic that this scheme has got some well-deserved praise for the work undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The partnership’s hard work throughout the past 18 months has ensured that hundreds of children have safe access to the internet and equal opportunities to continue their education at home when required.

“However, we still need your continued support to help close this digital divide to make sure that every child in Warrington has the best access to IT possible to help them succeed at school.

“If your business would like to donate, or if you would like to find out more about the project, please complete the survey at smartsurvey.co.uk/s/wbclaptopsforkidsproject or email the council’s education team at education@warrington.gov.uk.”