Pupils at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Primary School have started the new school year with a fleet of new laptop computers to help them learn digital coding and advanced computer skills.

The laptops have been bought thanks to 12 months of fundraising by the school’s PTA and with help from the local community.

The group of parents and teachers raised over £8,000 during the last year and have bought laptop computers for the pupils.

They received additional help from Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Community Council which donated £300 towards the laptop fund and Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant Hall committee has loaned three of their laptop computers for pupils to use in lessons.

Teacher Manon Watkins, who requested the computers for the school said she has been overwhelmed with the success of the PTA’s fundraising and the extra community support.

She said: "The new computers will make a huge difference to lessons now that students will have access to their own laptop during computer lessons."

Llanrhaeadr Primary School was one of just 10 schools in Wales chosen to take part in a pilot project led by the Welsh Assembly to develop computer coding skills.

Miss Watkins said it was the children’s enthusiasm to learn and develop digital skills that has led them to being chosen to take part. The aim of the project is to develop the children's problem solving using Minecraft, a very popular game with children.

“We have already seen huge benefits in class," Miss Watkins continued.

"The children are engaging in opportunities to develop creative, literacy, maths and digital skills. With the new laptops, each child will now be able to work individually.”

The PTA organised several successful events to raise the money, including a football funday, Christmas fair, Easter bingo and much more.

The next fundraising event will be a live band night with Cas Jones and Friends on Saturday, October 13 at Llanrhaeadr Village Hall.

Tickets are £15 each to include food, which will be authentic Indian street food. There will also be a traditional bar and a Gin bar. Tickets only. To book call 07792 709831 or 07969 380942.