Malmesbury charity Heals is helping young people get online to help with their school work and remote studying.

The charity, supported by Malmesbury IT Services Company Atema Ltd and the Co-op is asking for donations of unwanted IT equipment for repair.

Ten local families have already been helped and more is needed.

"Too many local young people are doing their school work on their parents’ phones or are relying on the post, that is unfair,” said Cllr Gavin Grant, Chair of Heals.‎

Heals is working with Atema to upgrade donated unwanted laptops and tablets, wiping them clean of all personal data and delivering to families who need them.

Where necessary, Atema is also helping families connect to the internet.

Atema co-founder and former Heals Trustee Andy Pointer said: "Old laptops and tablets lying about collecting dust can be brought to life to help our local young people. ‎

"For every four donated computers, we can quickly make one work really well."

We are also contacting schools in our area to let them know we can help their pupils who need to get online," Cllr Grant added.

Malmesbury’s Co-Op store in Gloucester Road has a space where people can drop off unwanted laptops, tablets, iPads, printers, ink, hardware and printing paper.

Heals volunteers will then collect the equipment, sanitise them and get them to Atema for repair.

Co-op member pioneer coordinator Sherry Tolson, who organised the supermarket’s involvement, hopes the donations could also give some elderly residents the opportunity to connect remotely to family member and friends, once the needs of school children have been met.

She said: “Please drop off any IT equipment at the Co-op, or if you live further afield, please contact me via our Facebook page - Brinkworth, Malmesbury and surrounding areas Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK."

Alternatively email heals.malmesbury@gmail.com to arrange delivery or collection.