Westbourne, Poole and Weymouth fire stations have put out a request to the community for donations of working laptops or tablets to ensure that children, who may not have suitable technology to learn from home, will not be left behind.

They have set up Covid-safe drop off points for anyone wishing to donate a laptop or tablet. Any devices donated will be professionally cleaned of all data and refreshed by Green Machine Computers, ready to support a child’s learning at home.

Dave Adamson, station manager, said, “We are very pleased to be able to support such an important initiative by providing local donation points. If you would like to donate some tech to this cause, you can do so to any of the listed stations on Monday evenings between 6-9pm. If you do arrive at the same time as someone else, please make sure you make space to keep everyone safe.”

Simon Crisp, of Green Machine Computers, added, “We are very pleased that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service can support and help children get access to tech at home and reduce digital poverty.”

You can also support the cause by donating to a JustGiving page, which has been established to cover the costs of software installation, hard drive replacements and screen repairs to ensure the tech is fit for purpose, at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/greenmachine?utm_term=8yKvmdEg7