MORE than 350 families in the Cheshire West and Chester area are benefiting from free laptops, thanks to a new Government scheme.

The Home Access grant programme, designed to get low-income families across the UK online, has seen 353 families from the area sign up for one year’s free internet access and a laptop in the two months since it launched.

School’s Minister, Diana Johnson, said: “It is great to see that, after just two months into this scheme, between 20 and 35% of eligible families across England have already received Home Access Grants.”

To qualify for the scheme, families must have a child in school between Year 3 and Year 9, and qualify for free school meals, receive income support and have an overall annual income of less than £16,040.

Each family is given up to £528 to spend which is aimed at ensuring children from deprived backgrounds have access to the internet.

Niel McLean from Becta, the government body behind the scheme, said: “It’s great so many families across the country are now getting a brand new computer. They can now help their kids with school work and learn computer skills to help them get a job.

Families wanting to request an application form can call the Home Access grant helpline on 0333 200 1004.