Cranswick operates six manufacturing sites and employs almost 5,000 people in Hull.

A spokesman said: “As the shortfall of laptops hit the headlines a few weeks ago, Cranswick wanted to be able to make a real difference to local children.

“They have been working with Karl Turner, MP and Hull City Council to understand the number of children who are currently without access to a laptop for learning requirements. Data provided to Hull City Council from the Academy Trusts across the city has shown around a third of pupils over the age of seven fall into this category.”

Adam Couch, Chief Executive Officer at Cranswick plc said: “We have been working to support the local community throughout the pandemic; providing sandwiches to the NHS, food parcels to those vulnerable in the city and continuing to support local charities such as EMS and Hull 4 Heroes.

“When we heard about the significant shortfall in the number of laptops available for local children, we wanted to help.

“Education is vital to ensuring the growth and development of the next generation and it is proven that learning in the early years can dramatically shape the progress of a child. As one of the city’s largest employers it is imperative that we support families in the area ensuring they have access to these devices.

“We have worked with Hull City Council to understand where a provision could make the most impact and make a real difference to combat the digital divide.

“The last year has been unspeakably challenging for so many families, and circumstances can be made even harder when children do not have the technology at hand to assist with their learning. This will help to have a positive immediate impact for the children and families of those who will benefit from the laptops, and this need continues as children return to school”

Karl Turner, MP for East Hull, said: “Too many children have missed out on vital learning because there isn’t an adequate device or internet to connect it to at home. Despite the heroic efforts of teachers and school staff, this pandemic has shone a light on the real hardship many families face, with less privileged kids suffering the most being out of school.

“This generous donation will allow those children not only to access remote lessons but to have the best possible chance of catching up and fulfilling their potential when schools go back too.

“Throughout this pandemic we have seen, time and again, the people of Hull step up to look out for those in need. Where the Government has failed, our community has pulled together and provided. Together, Cranswick plc, myself and Hull City Council have made sure that the next generation in East Hull does not lose out and that no child is left behind.”

Coun Peter Clark, Portfolio Holder for learning, skills and safeguarding children, said: “The ambition is for every child over the age of seven to be connected and stay connected. This is a key project within our Covid recovery plans, which will help pupils catch up with their education.”

It is thought that up to 1.8 million children in the UK do not have access to a laptop they can use for home learning

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