A CAMPAIGN has been launched to provide free mobile phones for schools across Kirklees.

Mobile communications group Link Telecom, which has a store on John William Street in Huddersfield, is extending its Secure School scheme.

It tested it in the Keighley area, where the company is based.

More than 30 schools have joined the scheme since it was set up in 2006, – representing more than 5,000 mobile phone connections.

Staff in schools and colleges use the free mobile phones to deal with emergencies, organise sports fixtures and improve safety and security on school trips.

Matthew Wright, Link Telecom’s commercial director, said: “With every single teacher, plus relevant support personnel, equipped with a free mobile phone, staff can communicate with each other much more effectively and respond immediately to any given situations.”

Schools can find out how the scheme works by phoning Link Telecom on 0800 0373131.

The scheme follows a move by Link Telecom late last year to collect old mobile phones from businesses, organisations and schools.

These are then repaired, refurbished, repackaged and distributed back to the market place.