AN APPEAL to raise money for teachers producing protective equipment for carers and NHS workers has smashed its target.

Craft, design and technology (CDT) staff at Haddington’s Knox Academy; Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans; and North Berwick High School had teamed up to produce protective visors.

Now, colleagues from Musselburgh Grammar School have also linked up with the project.

Staff are continuing to work through the Easter holidays in a bid to meet demand and previously asked for donations to help raise £500 to help purchase high-impact polystyrene sheets and rivets to make the visors.

Generous members of the public have been quick to donate, with a £500 donation also coming from the Walk With Scott Foundation, and more than £4,000 has been collected.

About 200 visors are being produced each day and circulated to a wide range of providers, including care homes, pharmacies, British Transport Police, district nurses and hospitals, not just in East Lothian but also Midlothian and Edinburgh.

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, East Lothian Council’s spokeswoman for education and children’s services, praised the efforts of all those involved.

The Haddington and Lammermuir ward member said: “What our schools are doing is nothing short of phenomenal.

“It’s been fantastic to see our school staff coming together to support the NHS and social care staff in this way.

“The staff who are on the frontline of this crisis have to be protected themselves with the appropriate equipment.

“As we hear more and more of the lack of personal protective equipment, anything that can be done to help address this situation can only be welcomed.

“A huge thanks to all our school staff who are involved and I want you to know that we are all very proud of you.”

To support the teachers and to make a donation, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/julie-lowe