PRIMARY school children in Swindon are benefiting from recycled computers donated by a local firm.

Nationwide Building Society has given 33 personal computers and software and 25 printers to 16 schools in the borough.

Around 25 more computers will also be donated very soon.

The donation is the first in a series of initiatives by The Technology Task Group aimed at raising the standard of technology education.

Nationwide is a founder member of the group, which is made up of local business leaders and educational representatives.

Ian Beale, Nationwide's head of group services, said: "The equipment will fulfil an identified need and, as such, will really benefit the education of local children.

"Technology, particularly IT, is a very important educational area which is why we will be donating a further 25 PCs to Swindon schools in the near future."

Instead of being delivered directly to the primary schools, the computers were sent to Headlands Secondary School for distribution.

It was felt the school would understand the needs of the primary schools in the area better than Nationwide.

And the printers were given to Peatmoor, because head teacher Terry Peacock sits on an educational board which includes several primary schools and she was able to ask them how many they wanted.

The Technology Task Group is a charity set up by Education Business Partnership (EBP).

As well as Nationwide, the task group comprises Royal Mail, Motorola and ntl.

The educational establishments and organisations in the group are Swindon LEA, Dorcan Technology College, Swindon College, New College, Swindon Association of Secondary Heads, and Swindon Association of Primary Heads.

EBP chief executive Richard Cummins said: "This is an excellent practical example of local business and education working together.

"The support Nationwide is giving to equip young people for the world of work will make a real difference."