A traditional charity walk has donated 240 laptops to primary school pupils.

The Bermuda End-to-End Charitable Trust announced this week it had handed over the Chromebooks and protective cases to the Ministry of Education.

Anne Mello, the chairwoman of the End-to-End board, said: "We are thrilled to be able to further support Bermuda public school students with this acquisition of Chromebooks at a time when computer-based education has never been so crucial.“

The annual event, where participants to walk, run or cycle from St George to Dockyard, has raised more than $6 million for charities over 34 years.

The next End-to-End is scheduled to take place on May 7.

Tinée Furbert, the acting education minister, said she was delighted to accept the laptops, which would benefit P1 and P2 pupils.

Ms Furbert added: “Our public school students have been through quite a bit this past year and to be able to have all of our students benefit from having a Chromebook is phenomenal.

“We are grateful to the Bermuda End-to-End team and the people of Bermuda for such a worthwhile donation.”

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said last year that the laptops would be given to pupils for their use throughout their primary school careers.

He added that the laptops would be used in the classroom, for remote learning and for homework assignments.

Carol Parker Trott, the communications and marketing director at insurance and reinsurance giant Axa XL, a veteran sponsor of the End-to-End, said it was important to support education.

Ms Trott added: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bermuda’s public school system should not be underestimated.

“It is vital that students in the system have access to technology that will enhance opportunities to learn inside and outside the classroom.”

Michael Neff, the managing director of Butterfield Bank, an End-to-End platinum sponsor, said the bank was delighted to see funds raised through the event go to schools.

He added: “Butterfield has long been a supporter of education and empowering young people in Bermuda to pursue their aspirations.”