THE Wee County’s successful school uniform bank is once again open for donations.

For the fourth year, The Gate in Alloa will be offering items of clothing and stationery for those most in need.

The charity, which started as a soup pot and also runs a foodbank, is looking to support nursery pupils all the way to those in high school.

Once collections are complete, the uniform bank will be open for those with referrals in the second week of July, before opening up to self-referrals at the end of that month.

Marie Brownhill, centre manager, said: “It’s referrals first so the most vulnerable children get first access.

“The open week is for self-referrals, they can just basically turn up and we will do what we can to help"

Marie mentioned that the uniform bank receives a lot of donations from Redwell and St Serf's parents and is hoping more will come in for the other schools in the area.

Jackets, school uniforms, shoes, bags, even hats, scarves and ties will be available and are currently being sought if they are in a good condition.

Marie added: “It helps to recycle clothing and helps children go back to school with confidence, pride and equal to their peers.”

While some people are entitled to a grant to help with the costs of starting a new school year, Marie feels it might not cover everything a student will need.

She said: “The blazers themselves are £15.99 and if it’s a girl then they’ve got to get shirts and skirts and trousers and ties and schoolbags and shoes – it costs an absolute fortune.

“And when they get to senior age, there is a peer-pressure to dress like everybody else.”

Donations of all kinds of school clothing, accessories and stationery can be dropped off at The Gate in Alloa between 10am and 3pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Collections will also take place at Tesco in Alloa.

The initiative received the backing of council leader Councillor Ellen Forson, who said: “I am happy to back the uniform bank again this year and it’s fantastic that our local community comes together to support the initiative with so many donations.

“There is no doubt that the uniform bank provides a welcome boost to many in the community and gives hundreds of children across Clackmannanshire every year the opportunity to access quality school clothing and accessories, making sure they are not alienated from their peers.”

MSP Keith Brown, who has been supporting the uniform bank since its inception, added: “Initiatives like the Uniform Bank are just one practical step we can take towards that goal of ending child poverty and I’d encourage local people to donate any uniforms that are still in good condition but are no longer of use to their family.”

Marie thanked the Yorkshire Building Society, Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface, Cllr Forson and Mr Brown for their support over the years.