Over half a million pounds raised for Cambridgeshire laptop scheme
The money's been donated in just over two weeks.
The 'Laptops for Children' campaign in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has raised £567,845 in just over two weeks to help local disadvantaged young people.
Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council launched the scheme earlier this month in partnership with the Youth Panel, Cambridge Digital Direct, Cambridge 2030, and Cambridge Culture Fund.
It aimed to help the around 8,000 children in the region who don't have access to a computer or broadband, which means they can't access lessons and online resources, putting them at risk of falling behind at school.
The money raised so far is being used to buy a batch of 1,000 laptops and 460 routers which will then be distributed in schools from this week.
A further 352 laptops have also been donated at drop in centres and libraries across the region - these will be checked and updated before being distributed.
The ultimate aim is to make sure every young person in the region has the necessary equipment to continue learning.
Councillor Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education, Skills, and the University, said: "Cabinet has discussed the pressing need for laptops for disadvantaged children in our local schools - particularly primary schools.
"The education of every child is our priority and I am so grateful and proud of the support this worthy campaign has generated."
Councillor Simon Bywater, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council's Children and Young People's Committee, said: "The initial response to this campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal and I would like to thank everyone that has pledged support.
"There is much more work to do, but we're fully focussed on getting as many laptops and routers to children as possible."