CHILDREN at Thameside Primary School in Grays were thrilled to receive 20 brand new Chromebooks from the Grays Riverside Community Big Local today (Wednesday, 3 February).

The new devices will make a huge difference to children with no access to online learning or who are sharing one device between a family.

The school has already loaned out all of its devices and has a waiting list of pupils who will benefit from the Chromebooks.

The chairman of Riverside Community, a Big Local project supported by National Lottery funding, Andy Blakey, said: "We know just how hard it has been for many families trying their best to home school their children whilst working - and we know that for many families in Grays it's just not possible to make sure that all children have the IT kit they need.

"We hope that these new laptops will improve access to learning for 20 young people here in Grays."

Senior Deputy Head at Thameside Mrs Lynne Billinghurst said: "We are very grateful to the Riverside Community Big Local for their support."