Swindon Borough Council secured more than 794 laptops for young people from the Department for Education.

The digital devices will go to disadvantaged families, children and young adults who do not currently have access to them through another source, such as their school.

This includes care leavers, children and young people aged up to 19, or young children’s families, with a social worker and disadvantaged year 10 students.

People without internet access will receive a 4G wireless router.

The laptops will enable families, children and young adults to access educational resources and online learning. The scheme will also enable children and young people to communicate with their school or social worker.

Most of the devices have already been delivered to eligible children via their educational provider.

Coun Russell Holland said: “During the pandemic, remote learning and access to online resources has become particularly important for young people and their families.”

“Now that the summer holidays are here, we hope that the delivery of these laptops will help to connect disadvantaged young people, children and families with their social workers, while providing them with an equal opportunity to continue their learning away from school.”

Young people aged 16-19 without a laptop for educational purposes may be eligible for support through the government’s 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. Visit www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund.