CHILDREN with special needs in Romsey will benefit after a benevolent society provided a pre-school with a new laptop.

The Rotary Club of Romsey Test has given the Romsey Opportunity Group, which is based at the Appletree Centre, with a new computer helping staff their tell parents about services on offer.

The club’s community service chairman, Stuart Wineberg, presented administrator Carol West with the new £400 Hewlett Packard laptop.

It will enable the group to operate a fully mobile office for records and communications with outside agencies.

There are about 18 children with additional needs who use the group two times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays with volunteers helping.

Carol said that the new equipment had already helped.

“We’re very grateful,” she said. “It’s made a big difference, definitely.”

“Our old laptop wasn’t up to date, it was about eight years old and packed up completely. This one is much faster and more efficient,” she added.

Stuart said: “The group provides valuable respite and support for families of pre-school children with additional needs.

“Each child has a key worker with one-to-one targeted play in conjunction with health and education professionals.

“The group expressed sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Romsey Test for their contribution and support.”