MORE 600 pupils in 20 schools have benefitted from IT devices provided by a council and the borough's voluntary sector.

Burnley Council teamed up with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Services (BPRCVS) to provide the high tech aid.

The devices and broadband support will help the pupils study from home during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, Burnley Council’s community boss, said: “With many children unable to attend school during the national lockdown, it’s vital for their future that they have the means to continue their education online at home.

“Unfortunately some families don’t have the computers, laptops or notepads to be able to do that. This scheme will enable those children to continue to learn and prevent them from being left behind by their classmates who already have the IT equipment they need at home.”

Christine Blythe, chief officer BPRCVS, said: “We are proud to have worked tirelessly to help residents of Burnley during this pandemic which is affecting so many people in so many different ways.

“This equipment is vital for supporting the future of local children.”