A RAMSBOTTOM primary school has been able to purchase new laptops thanks a £1,000 donation from a local business.

Pupils at Emmanuel Holcombe C of E Primary School visited Essity paper mill in Stubbins last months to accept a cheque.

The money was awarded in recognition of the school's support for an initiative led by Essity to mark 50 years of Tork, the global washroom products brand for which the Stubbins mill makes paper.

To celebrate the brand’s 50th birthday, the mill challenged year five and six pupils at the school to make a birthday cake using just paper and card, as part of their art lessons.

The school put forward 31 entries of which the winner was awarded with a £50 voucher, while two runners-up were awarded a £25 voucher each.

Deputy headteacher, Mrs Helen Clark, who organised and led the project, said: “We were really pleased to work with Essity as part of this community project as the pupils enjoyed designing and making their paper cakes. The three winners were delighted with their prizes and it was lovely that each child was given a water bottle and their own pack of toilet rolls for taking part.

“Information technology is an important part of the curriculum and this donation has enabled us to purchase new laptops which will make an enormous difference to the school.”

The donations form part of the mill’s community support programme, which sees it help groups making a difference to the community and people’s lives.