More than 1,000 laptops and tablets have already been donated to children who previously had no access to online learning as part of a campaign.

It comes as part of the Every Child Online drive organised by this newspaper, Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Community Foundation (NCF).

It aims to connect as many young people as possible with the technology they need to learn during the pandemic.

So far 110 laptops, 178 Chromebooks and 15 tablets have been delivered to schools, with a further 655 laptops, 116 Chromebooks and 62 tablets set to be delivered this week.

One parent of a child who received a laptop said it had stopped their child feeling lonely during the day and allowed them to continue learning.

The parent, whose child studies at Heartwood Primary School in Swaffham and who wished to stay anonymous, said: "Getting a laptop means my child can carry on the learning they should have been doing in class.

"She can watch videos of her teacher and join meetings with her teacher and friends every day so she doesn't feel alone.

"I could never afford a laptop and my child was fed up of just doing sheets and feeling lonely without school."

Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News editor David Powles said: "It's amazing that 1,000 computer devices have been donated to home schooled children around the county as part of our Every Child Online campaign.

"It's great to have this bright news in these tough times, but I must urge everyone to keep donating to ensure no child is left behind because of their background."

Clare Cullens, chief executive of the NCF, said: "We have a mountain to climb and one we need to climb at pace to avoid these young people being left even further behind.

"As we have found throughout this pandemic, Norfolk people have responded quickly and come together to support our vulnerable young people.

"In just a few days since this campaign launched we are in a position to deliver 1,000 laptops to help our children learn."

John Fisher, county council cabinet member for children's services, said: “What an incredible start to the campaign.

"Thank you to everyone that has been involved so far and to the team out delivering equipment to schools in Norfolk."

Those wishing to donate equipment to the Every Child Online campaign should email devices@norfolk.gov.uk.

To donate funds visit www.norfolkfoundation.com/every-child-online/