Free school uniform on offer all year at Devon charity

A Devon recycling charity is offering free school uniform items from its branches year-round.

Refurnish’s shop in Tiverton is the latest to be giving away items in an effort to reduce the cost of living for its customers.

Shop manager Figgy Chambers said people were “really appreciative”, adding: “Uniform is really expensive to buy these days, and it’s difficult to find it mid-year, so we have decided to offer it all year round so people can come and get a cardigan or something”.

The shop said all children’s toys, books, DVDs and clothes were also available free of charge to help families with the cost of the summer holidays.

A similar uniform scheme started in Refurnish South Molton five years ago, and staff at the Tiverton branch thought it was such a good idea that they would follow suit, and customers were really grateful.

Eight-year-old Isla came in with her mother to get new shoes.

On finding out she could get them for free, she said: “We came back and grabbed some more things like pencils and pens, and a hairband, and two teddies and a toy for my little sister.”