Buying school uniform has always been a costly affair, even more so with the number of branded items pupils now need.
Yet with family finances already stretched amid the cost of living crisis, many are finding that kitting their kids out for school is more of a struggle than ever.
At some schools, mostly primaries, youngsters are sometimes allowed to wear plain polo shirts and there are few branded items to shell out for.
Read more: Things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school summer holidays
However high school is a different story and often both the main uniform - with blazers, trousers or skirts - as well as PE kits, need the school logo, meaning families can end up spending £200 plus per child.
Thankfully there are some stores and stalls being set up where parents can pick up some pre-loved uniform for free and it's proving a massive help to mums and dads struggling to make ends meet.
One such place is Stanley Square in Sale, Trafford, where a number of racks have been set up in Market Walk featuring uniform from a number of local schools.
Parents whose children have outgrown uniform that is still in decent condition can drop it off there and those in need of the items can pick them up for free.
Tony Martin, general manager at the shopping centre, explained how the idea came about.
He said: “Following a passing chat with a single parent who told me of her struggles affording school uniforms, especially blazers for her two young children, I decided to run with the initiative of a new and pre-loved school uniform pop up.
"We reached out asking people to donate school uniform items that they no longer needed, I was blown away by the initial response and this week we started putting out the items for the community to take. It is going really well, and the feedback has been amazing with so many people saying ‘thank you’, initiatives such as this really do make a difference to people’s lives."
He added: "With the cost of living rapidly rising it’s important that everyone helps each other the best that they can – with a stronger focus on sustainability people would much rather see good items going to use rather than being left or even thrown away – there is most certainly a wonderful community spirit around that is heart-warming to see.”
The centre shared a Facebook post about the scheme and hundreds of people reacted, with many praising the idea.
"This is a fab idea, I have lots to drop off to you," commented one mum. "What an amazing initiative!!" added another.
Stanley Square has uniform items for the following schools: The Firs, Lime Tree, St Mary’s, Brooklands, Moorlands, Park Road, Springfield Road, Ashton-on- Mersey, Blessed Thomas Holford, Sale High and Loretto.
It's not the only scheme helping families this summer though.
While many schools have set up their own swap shops, there are other community stalls offering pre-loved uniform.
A similar 'reuse and recycle uniform shop' has opened inside The Sq Stretford, in conjunction with Trafford Council and the Friends of Stretford Public Hall.
And a free school uniform exchange opened this week at Walkden Gateway, Salford, where it will remain until September 3.
Do you have details of a free uniform shop to share with other parents? Let us know in the comments here or share the information under the story on Facebook.
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