DISADVANTAGED young people will receive a boost to their learning with the arrival of more than 1,000 free laptops.

East Sussex County Council was the first local authority in the country to place an order under a Department for Education initiative to ensure pupils can carry on studying at home during the lockdown.

The county is one of the first areas to receive shipments of laptops and 4G dongles and the technology is being delivered to children and young people who receive social care from the council, and to disadvantaged Year 10 pupils.

Councillor Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion, said: “It’s vital that all our young people are able to maintain their

education during the lockdown.

“The scheme means vulnerable children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to do so can get online and continue learning at home until they’re able to return to school.

“It’s going to make a real difference to their lives and will give a boost to their education in the extraordinary times we’re living in.

“I’ve been really impressed by how our children’s services and IT teams worked together to make this happen.”