kit

The laboratory has areas kitted out as "real life" working wards, including a delivery room, a neonatal unit and a theatre.

They have been recycling uniform for the last four years but demand is now is at its highest ever, with parents queuing up to get uniform and PE kits for their children.

A mum says she starts to dread the new school year from Christmas because of the cost of uniform and other kits her children will need in September.

Buying school uniform could be expensive, Ms Aston said, especially branded items such as blazers and PE kit, which are often in short supply at the charity.

Parents say a school uniform recycling programme is a "lifesaver" as they face paying hundreds to kit out their children for the start of term.