WATCHET businesses and local churches have come to the aid of youngsters at Knights Templar School in the town struggling to learn during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An appeal by the Rev Jane Sperring of Watchet Methodist church, for unwanted laptops, has already resulted in five being presented to the school after they had been serviced by specialists who are church members. Another four will be donated shortly.

“The school is very grateful and we are so glad to be able to help families that are in need” the Rev Sperring said. “I made an appeal for spare laptops to members of the West Somerset Methodist circuit and had an excellent response but we are hoping for more because many families have several children all whom are in need of computers for at-home study.”

Members of Watchet Chamber of Trade (WACET) also decided to use some of some of its funds to provide three new laptops to the school after district councillor Loretta Whetlor alerted them to the problem.

WACET chairman John Richards handed the devices, and an extra laptop he bought himself, to headteacher David Frowde last week.

John, who runs an amusement supplier business in the town, said: “It was such a wonderful cause that WACET immediately agreed to fund the laptops. I was so moved by the cause I decided to purchase an additional laptop to give to the school.

“I understand it has also moved other local organisations who are looking to do the same. It was wonderful to see the gratitude of the headmaster when they were handed over.”

The school will lend the laptops to the families of children finding learning difficult during the pandemic.

Mr Richards (right) is pictured at the socially-distanced handover with Mr Frowde.

The Rev Sperring would be pleased to hear on 01984 631054 from anyone who has a spare laptop they could donate to the school.