HUNDREDS of people preparing for the new school term during the cost of living crisis queued in Redditch for vital handouts

The tenth annual Uniform Bank, at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, provides hard up families with the opportunity to obtain free school uniforms for their children.

Such is the need and popularity of the event that queues started forming on August 20 at 8.30am – even though the event wasn’t due to start until 10am.

By the time doors opened, over 250 people were waiting to pick up all types of school uniforms that had been generously donated by Redditch residents.

In total, it was estimated that over 500 families took advantage of the scheme.

The event was organised by Redditch Labour Party and partners who thanked everyone involved.

Cllr Sharon Harvey said: “Once again, the Uniform Bank has been a massive success. There is a huge demand for this event and people are incredibly grateful for it.

“Not only does it save people money, but it also saves a huge amount of clothing from landfill.

“People always ask what we do with the leftovers. This year we will redistribute most of it around local charity shops and send some to textile recycling.

It was Cllr Joe Baker who came up with the idea of having a Redditch Uniform Bank back in 2012 and added: “ This event happens because we have a fantastic team of people – including every single one of our Redditch Lab our councillors – who work incredibly hard to collect, sort and organise donated items."

Cllr Baker was also full of praise for the Kingfisher Centre who have fully supported the Uniform Bank and offered their facilities, both as a donation point and providing a venue on the day.

Further support was provided by both the Willow Trees Community Centre in Church Hill and The Barn at Winyates who assisted in collecting donations for the event.