A TAMWORTH school will be able to keep parents better informed with a new text messaging service – thanks to a generous donation from a councillor.

Wilnecote Junior School has received a £500 grant to fund the service, which will be used to notify parents of school closures, fund-raising activities and events.

Messages are sent instantly by the school straight to their mobile phones.

The school received cash from Councillor Lee Bates and Staffordshire County Council through the Staffordshire Local Community Fund.

Headteacher Jonathan Keay said: "We are very grateful to Mr Bates and Staffordshire County Council for supporting our school community.

"The texting service has been very well received and is a powerful way for us to reach our families".

He said the service was recently used to 'great effect' when the school was forced to close due to wintry conditions which hit the town.

Mr Bates added: "I am really pleased that the new texting service is making a difference already and will be a valuable way the school can communicate with parents using modern technologies.

"We are fortunate to have great schools in the Wilnecote and Dosthill area always working hard for pupils and parents."

The grant was officially handed over when Mr Bates visited the school to see the service in action.

A school parent added: "The text service is excellent. We can be reached really quickly and everyone finds it an effective way to hear about events."