Fawley (17 December 2007) -- Children at a New Forest school have been given a new means of showing off their talents with the aid of a laser printer.

Wildground Infant School in Dibden Purlieu has been able to buy a colour laser printer with a £500 grant from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley, given in recognition of the time and effort put in by members of the governing body.

The printer helps the children get the full benefit of the interactive whiteboards, which are in each classroom, as it enables them to take home stimulating full-colour work that they have created while working on all areas of the curriculum.

The grant was awarded under a special scheme which recognises the efforts of ExxonMobil employees and their families who become school governors and contribute their time, talent and energy to schools. The scheme not only helps local schools, but also improves the links between ExxonMobil and the community.

The grant applicants were Colin Tatchell, who is a chemical engineer in the technical department, and Rachel Powell who is the chair of governors, a former employee and the wife of Chris Powell who also works in the technical department.

Colin said: “Working with computers is a vital part of a child’s education. Even children as young as four or five learn how to use a mouse and this is often done by painting pictures on the computer screen. This new printer enables the children to print out their work in full colour to show their friends and teachers, and then take it home as well.”

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme at Fawley, together with its sister scheme for school governors, has so far contributed more than £300,000 to local community projects since it was started four years ago.