VAUXHALL'S Ellesmere Port plant has donated 70 refurbished laptops and desktop computers to support students with remote learning.

The equipment is no longer being used by staff at the North Road factory so the carmaker has split them between six local schools and educational institutions.

With the majority of students reverting to remote learning as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the laptops and desktop computers have been donated to benefit those who may not have access to one of their own.

The recipients of the refurbished equipment are:

  • Rivacre Valley Primary School, Ellesmere Port
  • The Catholic High School, Chester
  • South Wirral High School, Eastham
  • Upton Hall School, Upton
  • Wirral University Teaching Hospital, Birkenhead
  • Chester and District Committee for Deaf People, Chester

Paul Adams, operations specialist at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant, said: “Remote learning places a lot of additional stress for schools and families, with computers an expensive investment – especially during such uncertain times.

"Through the donation of 70 refurbished laptops and desktops, we hope to make a small impact, and help families and schools cope throughout the pandemic."

The donated laptops have had an immediate impact for the schools and educational institutions.

Kate Docherty, headteacher at Rivacre Valley Primary School, said: “We are extremely grateful to Vauxhall for this very kind donation.

"It has been a difficult few weeks for parents who are trying to home school with limited resources, so on behalf of the school, parents and pupils we thank Vauxhall for reaching out to us.”

Simon Goodwin, Headteacher at South Wirral High School, added: “We have managed to provide equipment to all of our students, but these laptops will help to provide an additional resource to those pupils who have to share devices whilst studying at home.

"We are extremely grateful to Vauxhall and Ellesmere Port for their generosity.”