A Westbury-based information technology business is calling for computer users to donate old laptops for a heart-warming initiative to help children who don't have one of their own for their schoolwork.

He has begun donating laptops to children who are being schooled at home during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown.

Priority IT, of the Hawke Ridge Business Park, in Mill Lane, Westbury, was inspired by a tweet from careers adviser Catherine Young, a careers adviser for Hardenhuish School and Sheldon School in Chippenham, and the Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne.

Priority IT managing Director Kieran Thomas is asking for anyone willing to donate a laptop they no longer need or use to contact the company as soon as possible and they will refurbish them and gift them to young people in the county.

Kieran said: ‘I’ve got children who are all having to use IT to keep learning. Their schools use a secure website for homework to be uploaded to and also to share timetables.

"Having an IT expert for a dad means they’re fortunate enough to have laptops to work on so when I spoke to Catherine it got me thinking about how we could help children who aren’t as fortunate."

Priority IT’s usual stock of laptops has been loaned to local businesses having to adapt and support staff who are now working from home, which meant they were unable to meet the request from Catherine who used Twitter to reach out to the business community for help.

Mr Thomas added: "Having a computer has become vital in the current COVID-19 crisis, but not everyone can afford to buy or borrow a machine so Priority IT staff, many of whom are currently furloughed, will be volunteering their time to securely wipe data, refurbish and replenish any donated machines.

"We would ask for any laptops to have a charger, working screen and keyboard and have the Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system.

"Unused or unloved, we will take whatever laptop you have. If it’s beyond repair, we will securely wipe it and recycle it.We will replace parts such as hard disk, wifi, and power supply if it can be saved."

Anyone wishing to donate or request a laptop should email info@priorityit.co.uk