PROM dresses and formal wear are among items being sought by Knox Academy, as an essentials hub is set up at the school to support some of its “most vulnerable” families and pupils.

Hannah McBride, modern languages teacher at the Haddington secondary school, visited the town’s community council to outline the plans.

She said: “I have been round lots of different businesses looking for donations for a variety of different things.

“It is basically looking for donations of things like revision books, personal hygiene products and also formal wear.

“For a lot of them, they cannot access the leavers’ dance because it is so much money to end up kitting yourself out for one thing for one night.”

The school is also looking for school uniform items, as well as sportswear and winter jackets of any size.

A poster has been created highlighting the scheme, which notes: “Anything would be hugely appreciated; the cost-of-living crisis has hit so many families, therefore anything we can do to support them with the above items will make a huge difference.”

Clean and bagged donations can be dropped off at Knox Academy reception or Lil Zero Waste, or the school can collect.