The markets providing free school uniform items

Liz Beddows and Lisa Bentley are from Cannock Library where some donations have been collected

Families have been invited to pick up school uniform items for free at a series of markets.

The Pre-Loved Uniform Markets in Cannock, Staffordshire, were intended to help people on low incomes to find clothing including school trousers, skirts, ties and branded school sweatshirts, said Staffordshire County Council.

The markets have hundreds of donated items and take place at the Salvation Army's premises on Anglesey Street, Hednesford, from Monday 19 August to Friday 23 August.

A council spokesperson said: "School uniforms can be expensive and when you’ve got more than one child the costs can quickly add up."

The council, which runs the scheme with the Salvation Army, says it is a really important project which "continues to grow from strength to strength".

Since being set up four years ago, the project has provided more than 15,000 items, helping families save an estimated £90,450.

Tesco, Morrisons and also residents support the project which organisers say includes items for most schools in the town.