Pupils at Broadwater and Rodborough schools who were struggling to access online lessons during the lockdown have been helped by Surrey Freemasons.

The group has donated 30 laptops and tablets to the schools to help them support disadvantaged children with remote learning.

He said: "As soon as the current lockdown was announced, it became obvious that many local pupils would be unable to continue their education without suitable computers. We were able to quickly raise more than £3,000 so that the first batch of computers could be purchased and delivered within one week of the appeal being launched. This is a terrific result and a testament to the generosity of our members."

According to Ofcom, between 1.1 million and 1.8 million children do not have access to a laptop, desktop or tablet PC at home, which has led to concerns about them falling behind during the lockdowns.

Other initiatives launched by the Freemasons during the pandemic have seen members donating £1,000 to the Godalming Community Store, and PPE being distributed to local charitable organisations including The Meath, Phylis Tuckwell Hospice, Godalming and Villages Community Store, Elstead Food Bank, The Clockhouse Day Centre and The Welcome Project.

Alick Stevenson, Chairman of the Godalming Masonic Centre, said: "I am overwhelmed by the generosity and speed with which members of Godalming Masonic Centre reacted to our latest appeal to help local schools."

Rodborough Headteacher Matthew Armstrong-Harris said: "We are extremely grateful for the generous and timely donation of IT equipment.

"This pandemic has posed real challenges for both schools and students when it comes to continuing the vital work of educating our young people. The provision of additional equipment, through this donation, means that all students can engage with their learning, even when it is not possible for them to attend school.

"The benefits of this more flexible approach to learning will continue well beyond the current pandemic."