Carol Vorderman offers free maths lessons for schoolchildren during coronavirus lockdown

Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman is offering free maths lessons to help parents homeschool their children during the coronavirus lockdown.

Carol, 59, helps children and parents learn sums through video tutorials and interactive games.

It usually costs £2 a week - but the Pride of Britain TV personality is offering her help for free to parents who are teaching their children at home during lockdown.

The Maths Factor, set up by Carol in 2010, was forced to upgrade its servers to cope with a surge in visitors to the site.

Carol said: "As we enter what may be a stressful and unsettled time for many, it's so important that we keep a level of normality in place for our children.

"Yes schools are closed, but learning will go on!

"We cannot expect parents and carers to take on their children's education alone and we must ensure teacher are fully supported during this period of home-learning."

The Maths Factor, is aimed at children aged four to eleven and claims it can advance children nearly two and a half years in just a year.

The former Countdown star added: "I don't want any child to fall behind nor any parent or carer to feel out of their depth.

"We are determined to support families and schools to continue their learning and exploration at home - unlocking children's confidence and making maths fun.

"The power of math - and its impact on children's outcomes, on science and the world around us - has never been more clear than it is today."