A digital education company in East Lancashire is offering computer literacy lessons for children at risk of social isolation this Easter.

Chorley Council has partnered with and provided funding for Blackburn company, Jam Coding to offer children aged four to 11 the chance to attend a four-day club over the half term.

The holiday club, which is entirely funded by the council, is free to families who receive pupil premium support within their school day.

The project aims to engage young people in educational activities while also providing them with learning opportunities and a warm meal.

Roger Grogan, founder and chief executive of the Blackburn-born company, said: “This will be our third involvement with the project.

"It is a really important initiative for us to be able to address the digital divide and provide digital education to young people who may not have the same learning opportunities as their peers.

“It is hugely rewarding to see the children grow in confidence over the course of the week as they take on challenges, gain new skills and become friends with each other.”

In 2021, the BBC reported that the UK is heading towards a digital skills shortage disaster with the number of young people taking IT subjects at GCSE having dropped by 40 per cent since 2015.

Jam Coding aims to tackle this issue by providing children with proper computing education and make digital literacy more inclusive.

From coding, to crafts, to sports, the company’s program of events for the club involves 50 per cent online activity and 50 per cent offline.

The children are also given a free hot meal and refreshments each day, supplied by local business Lancashire Caterers.

Jam Coding would like to invite any child in the Chorley area who may benefit from this opportunity to attend their clubs on the April 11 to 14 from 9.30am to 1.30pm each day.

To book a free place, visit chorleyhaf.pembee.app or give Jam Coding a call on 01254 480 470.