BOSSES at the Port of Tilbury have paid tribute to the pupils and staff at the Gateway academy for their work to support others through the coronavirus pandemic.

The school, part of the Gateway Learning Community (GLC) reacted positively when it became apparent that personal protection equipment (PPE) was in short supply at the start of the lockdown.

So they set about making their own. Not in a small way but on a production line that ended up making up to 300 protective visors a day.

To do this the GLC upgraded its equipment and introduced a brand new laser cutting machine which will not only be used to create PPE but will benefit students when they return to school.

The cost of a laser cutting machine is well beyond the reach of many schools but a longstanding partnership between the GLC and Port Of Tilbury meant managers there were keen to support the team.

Peter Ward, Commercial Director at The Port of Tilbury, said: "Teachers across the country have worked in many different ways, as key workers providing essential support and the GLC team are no exception.

"We would like to congratulate them on all their hard work with a donation towards the cost of their new laser cutting machine.

"Uncertain times are predicted for young people but using first class equipment will help support their skills and development in design, innovation, manufacturing and production when they get back to school."