AN ORGANISATION is helping hundreds of children return to school with free uniforms.

Prestonpans-based Pennypit Community Development Trust launched a ‘uniform swap shop’ in mid-March after it was announced that children could return to school following lockdown.

The uniform swap shop allows families to donate items that are no longer used for new or second-hand school uniforms.

Parents are encouraged to visit the stall even if they do not have anything to donate.

Lorna Bellany, Pennypit Development Trust community nutritionist, said: “Not only is there a financial cost to a uniform, but right now school uniforms are not in shops, few clothing stores are open and many children have outgrown their current clothes.

“We advocate recycling clothes and many clothing items that children outgrow are still in good condition that others can use, and so the uniform swap-shop is open to the whole community – it would be amazing if we could make this a regular occurrence throughout the year.”

The charity, which works with families across East Lothian, has reported a high number of new referrals due to the financial strain of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lorna added that the charity group had received positive feedback from parents, who had been thankful to receive clothing that would benefit their children in the new school term.

Parents can find skirts, shirts, trousers and school brand jumpers at the Uniform Swap Shop in all sizes.

Jumpers for Preston Tower Primary and Nursery, St Gabriel’s Primary and Preston Lodge High School will be available for collection.

The swap shop will be open tomorrow (Thursday), 2.30-3.30pm, and on Friday, 11.30am-12.30pm at Pennypit Pagoda car park on North Grange Avenue.

In line with Covid-19 restrictions, donated clothes will be quarantined for 72 hours before being handled and washed.