A COUNCIL has teamed up with a voluntary group to provide IT to help schoolchildren study at home.

So far 150 youngsters have benefitted from the hi-tech devices paid for using government Emergency Assistance Grant cash.

Rossendale Council has teamed up with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Services (BPRCVS) and schools to distribute the money for devices to allow children to study online during the Covid crisis.

It has provided funding for 10 schools in the borough to purchase various devices such as tablets and laptops in order to support children’s home schooling. In total 150 pupils have been supported under the scheme.

Cllr Steve Hughes the council’s communities boss, said: “Some families don’t have the computers, laptops or notepads. 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: “Working with Rossendale Council on identifying and supplying so many young people with the essential equipment they need to continue their learning is another proud moment for our team. This equipment is vital for supporting the future of local children.”