Help for parents in city facing big bills

KINDHEARTED Ann Beeston set up a school uniform bank for the second year running after identifying a need in the community for free clothing.

- Yasmin Sarwar

Children have now been kitted out ahead of the return to school in September.

The school uniform bank took place yesterday at Stoke Indoor Market in South Wolfe Street.

It was set up by Ann as it emerged that the average cost of a school uniform is just over £340 for primary school children and about £454 in secondary schools.

City council worker Ann decided to take action by offering secondhand uniforms to parents. She also put a message on the Light Church Facebook page, where she is the safeguarding lead, requesting donations from past pupils and schools.

Those available included Willows Primary School, Oakhill Primary School, St John's CE Primary, Stoke Minster CofE Primary Academy, Thistley Hough Academy, St Joseph's College, Clayton Hall Academy and Kemball School.