Cheddar Vale Lions are starting the new year positively with a new project to benefit the local community.

The club does not want to stop because of lockdown and have identified a really important need within the area.

The aim is to set up a project to help local schools and families by providing IT items to those children who do not have the equipment to keep up with the online learning.

The project has just been launched on social media and is already creating a lot of interest. Offers of items are already coming in and the Lions have a family already in need of equipment.

The items will be checked and tested before being sent direct to those in need or via the schools. The club has already contacted Cheddar First School, Fairlands and King Academy, who have informed the Lions that they do have a need for equipment.

The schools have technicians who will check and PACT test the items. If the project grows and the Lions are able, they will expand to other schools within the Cheddar Valley area.

The club has also been given support from Tom at Wyvern Coffee who is going to launch a raffle to raise extra money for the project so the Lions can make sure the equipment is properly checked and tested. If they raise a good amount, it will also go towards the possible purchase of new equipment.

The raffle prizes will be five £20 vouchers, five £10 vouchers and five £5 vouchers for their coffees, teas and hot chocolates they have in their shop. Tickets can be purchased via their website, www.wyverncoffee.com.

The Lions are asking anyone with the offer of equipment or the knowledge of any family that is in need of equipment, to contact Cheddar Vale Lions by email: [email protected], the website: www.cheddarvalelions.org.uk or via the post on the club's Facebook page.

A Lions spokesperson said: "Please support this worthwhile project, we feel this will meet a need probably for the next year, as more and more families will not be in a position to keep all the children equipped with what they require for online learning, or even homework, when they are back at school."

Tom at Wyvern said: "The kids are our future and we need to do everything in our power to make sure that future stays bright."