A community has banded together to provide school uniforms for those struggling to afford them. 

The Crown pub in Horwich has been running a collection point over the school holidays for people to donate kit. 
 

The initiative has been organised

by Lend a Hand which is bringing back its 'Free School Uniform Giveaway Days' and is appeal for donations.

It is supported by local businesses, which have acted as donation points. 

Denise Silcock founder of Lend a Hand said: "After being able to help so many families over the last couple of years with our Free School Uniform event, plus already receiving some fantastic donations and getting lots of requests for help Lend a Hand Help in the Community and the Crown soon decided our free school uniforms day just had to be an annual  event  and this year it's going to be even bigger and better than ever before... with a massive two day event.”

 

On Monday and Tuesday, August 12 and 13, the pub will hold a giveaway of the donated uniform between 11am and 6pm. 

Landlady Beverley Parker said: “We've been doing this for four years but this has been a bumper year for donations. 

Landlady Beverley Parker with the donationsLandlady Beverley Parker with the donations (Image: Joseph Holt)

"People have been amazingly generous - and they have until this Sunday to keep doing so. 

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"We'll then sort them into different schools, sizes, colours, styles to make it easy for people to access any items that they need when they come into the pub.” 

Joseph Holt is set to announce other pubs which will also function as drop-off points for school uniforms. 

Paul Longmire, marketing manager for Joseph Holt, said the initiative was proving to be a lifesaver for many families.

He added: “With many dealing with a tight budget the cost of uniform can be  very difficult to meet. Thanks to pubs like The Crown, we are doing our best to ensure struggling families get the uniform they need.”