YOUNG computer buffs at Hanley Castle High School will be able to hone their coding skills, thanks to two high-tech companies.

Malvern-based QinetiQ and global technology retailer RS Components have donated 20 Raspberry Pi computer kits to the school's new coding club.

Raspberry Pis are low-cost credit-card-sized computers that plug into a monitor or TV, and use a standard keyboard and mouse. They allow people of all ages to explore computing and learn how to program.

The equipment will be used in the school's sixth form centre, currently being built, which will be the home of the new coding club.

Roger Cox of the school said: "We are extremely grateful to RS and QinetiQ for their generous and ongoing support for Hanley students. Our computer science students will certainly benefit from the hardware being donated and we really value the real-world experience these companies can bring to their education."

David Baker ofQinetiQ said: “We support our local community in a variety of ways, and in this case, the aim was to help a local school to ensure the younger generation are aware of the career options in engineering and electronics and enthused about the subject. We’re sure these kits will go some way to achieving that.”

Tim Sharpe of RS said: “When we heard that our customer QinetiQ planned to make this donation, we wanted to get involved to ensure the availability of enough development kits to inspire the students and give them the access they need to really explore electronics. The skills shortage in this sector is widely reported, and we are committed to helping address this through raising awareness of the options and providing access to the right technology to the younger generation.”