THOUSANDS of children across the North-East without devices or an internet connection have been left unable to complete schoolwork while home learning, but businesses across the region have rallied together to get children online. Scores of firms around the region have stepped up to provide vital resources for children struggling to access learning materials during lockdown. There have been widespread efforts to tackle the digital divide, including The Northern Echo joining forces with rival publishers across the North to launch the Cash for Connectivity appeal. The emergency fundraising drive aims to raise £1.2 million to help provide free internet to 100,000 disadvantaged households, with countless businesses having already donated devices.