AN OTLEY school has donated hundreds of pairs of goggles to the NHS.

The donation by Prince Henry's Grammar School was part of a national response to an appeal to plug shortages in protective equipment for frontline health workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

All of the goggles from the Design and Technology department at Prince Henry's, plus 150 pairs from its Science department, have been donated after being thoroughly cleaned.

The goggles will be used by:

*Bellbrooke Surgery at Harehills, Leeds

*The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Pinderfields Hospital

*Chapel Allerton Hospital's Orthopaedic Ward

*East Park Medical Centre, Leeds.

The school agreed to make the contribution after being contacted by local NHS employees who were asking for goggles to help protect staff as they keep working through the coronavirus pandemic.

Faculty Leader in Design and Technology at Prince Henry's, Alyson Blakeley, said: "When we received an e-mail from local NHS staff requesting help with providing them with protective goggles we were very happy to join this national campaign.

"Our NHS staff are working extremely hard under difficult circumstances and we are delighted to be able to support them in any way we can."

Local politicians have been quick to praise the school. MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) said: "I am delighted to see local schools stepping up in times of crisis.

"Seeing Leeds pull together as a city has been incredibly heart-warming - it seems our whole city is getting behind our brilliant NHS.

"However, it never should have got to the point where doctors are begging schools for proper equipment.

"We have known about the coronavirus since January. The Government had a two month headstart yet our brilliant NHS staff don't have enough equipment, putting both staff and patients in danger.

"When this is all over serious questions will have to be answered."

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "It is good to see everyone rallying round and in particular local schools thinking of others in this emergency. A big thank you from me."

Councillor Sandy Lay, who is an Accident and Emergency department nurse, added: "The generosity and spirit being shown by the school, and indeed everyone, really highlights that in times of crisis how we can put aside our differences and work together for the benefit of our residents, our communities and our nation."

A general appeal for donations of protective equipment - and especially goggles or other types of 'face shields' - to the NHS went out last week. The Government, meanwhile, has insisted it is working 'around the clock' to get more equipment to frontline staff.