SCHOOLS helping to set up Walking Buses in Kent will now receive a free PC from UKRecycleIT.

The Kent-based recycling and computer refurbishment organisation handles the hi-tech waste of organisations including the University of Kent, which helped set up the deal to support the county’s growing network of Walking Buses.

UKRecycleIT has now made public the specifications of the machines it will be donating. These will vary slightly ranging from P2/Celeron 266 – 400mhz speed. All will have 96mb of Ram, CD Rom Drive and 17inch screen. They all have Linux pre installed with a word processor.

All the computers are refurbished machines but are excellent for using educational software in the classroom.

UKRecycleIT spokesman Ross Knowles said that the organization was delighted to provide backing for the Walking Bus.

He said: "We are very happy to support this wonderful initiative. UKRecylceIT has a strong commitment to community projects and the Walking Bus is a very worthwhile one. It is environmentally friendly and helps children to keep fit and active too."

The firm is a centre of excellence for computer waste recycling in the South East and is based at the Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford. It aims to achieve 100 per cent recycling of electronic waste and provides businesses and local authorities with an outlet for their electronic waste products.

As well as the environmental benefits that recycling and re-use delivers, UKRecycleIT also provides work opportunities and training for people who are disabled or unemployed, again placing it at the heart of the community.

Mr Knowles said: "We have close links with the job centres and organisations such as the YMCA and we offer positions to the long-term unemployed, and to people with disabilities to help them get back on the career ladder.

"Many of these employees have gone on to make a successful transition into permanent employment."

Large organisations and blue-chip companies send unwanted computer equipment to UKRecycleIT for recycling or safe disposal. Firms such as Pfizer, the Ford Motor Company, IBM, Kent Messenger Group and also the NHS send equipment in to be given a new lease of life.

Mr Knowles said that all the computer equipment treated by UKRecycleIT is refurbished to a high standard. He promised: All schools with Walking Buses will be getting fully-tested, high quality equipment offering an excellent introduction to computing.”

UKRecycleIT sells refurbished computers direct to the public at a competitive price and staff are always pleased to receive new donations of equipment from individuals or firms.