'It was the right thing to do' - Leeds United's Patrick Bamford on his £5,000 donation to Beeston Primary School

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford says donating £5,000 to Beeston Primary School simply 'felt like the right thing' to do.

United's number nine made inadvertent headlines earlier this month after reading a report into the lack of access to remote learning for families at the school, which is situated near Elland Road.

After learning of the problems pupils were facing, Bamford got in touch to find out how he could help and sent them a private video message along with the donation in a bid to help ease the burden of teaching during the current national lockdown.

With the funds the school has purchased 20 new iPads, which have been loaned out to families so that education can continue remotely outside of the classroom amid the global pandemic.

In his message, the Premier League goalscorer encouraged children to try their best with their school work at home and emphasised the importance of exercise to stay fit and healthy.

Bamford has now revealed that he also offered to take a lesson over a video call if it would help raise a smile in what are challenging times for both teachers and pupils.

"I even offered to take a class on Zoom if they wanted me to, just to pop in and help raise the kids spirits or something," Bamford told Soccer Saturday.

"It was one of those things where I felt like it was just the right thing to do. Ultimately, to help out young children felt like the right thing."

Deputy head teacher Bethan Tidey admitted that the school had been 'blown away' by the generosity shown and were hugely grateful for the contribution from the Leeds forward.

"The past year has been incredibly difficult for families, in particular those struggling to access remote learning at home," she told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

"This incredible donation has allowed us to buy 20 new iPads which will be loaned to those most in need.

"This will greatly improve the home learning experience for some of our most vulnerable children and will also be a fantastic addition to the school when children are eventually back in classrooms.

"We want to say a huge thank you to Patrick for shining a light in these dark times, it will not be forgotten.”