FAMILIES struggling financially can receive free school uniform items thanks to a Woodley based charity.

Since May altruistic people have been dropping pre-loved uniforms into pink wheeling bins placed in libraries in Wokingham, Woodley, Finchampstead and Lower Earley by children's charity First Days.

Michelle Pattison, charity coordinator, said: "Most families find readying their children for the new school year a challenge.

"Between uniform, shoes and stationery, it can be an expensive time. If you are already struggling to make ends meet, it can seem like an impossible challenge.

"This is where First Days can help."

Once the donation drive concludes on July 30, donated clothes will be washed, sorted and packaged out to referral centres.

Throughout August, First Days will be hosting five day-long ‘School Uniform Pop-Up Referral Centres’ in Woodley, Wokingham, Reading, Slough and Bracknell.

Referred families will be invited to come and collect a number of back-to-school items in person and children will be able to try items on to ensure they have correctly fitting uniform and shoes, ready for the new school year.

First Days is looking for all types of non-logo uniform, PE kit, shoes, socks, school bags, lunch boxes, rain coats and winter coats, all in sizes 3/4 to 7/8+ years old.

To refer a family, go to www.firstdays.net/school