Thousands of items of school uniform have been donated since the start of The Northern Echo's Summer Essentials campaign.

Darlington Cares is an entirely voluntary service which has recently moved from the Queen Street Shopping Centre to a unit in Feethams Leisure Car Park.

Each year volunteers give away thousands of pieces of second-hand uniform to families in town.

Since the July 15 there have been 2347 items of uniform donated.

They have all been washed by In A Spin and delivered back to the Uniform Shop to be given out.

A spokesperson for Darlington Cares described the surge in donations as "simply amazing".

Sarah Small, Darlington Partnerships Programme Officer, said: "Being in the shop and seeing the real difference this scheme makes really is a privilege, saving items from going to landfill and supporting families with the ever rising cost of uniform is fantastic, it truly is families helping families.

"I would say we would still welcome any items which would ensure a child is ready for school, we have a good selection of items now but the last two weeks of the school holidays are always our busiest weeks in the shop and the stock we do have will fly out!

"Just to add a little context this year to date the shop has given out 6330 items to 2215 customers, this shows the real difference this scheme is making."

Here's a list of some of the items in no particular order that the service is urgently in need of:

  • Summer dresses and pinafores
  • Sun hats and caps
  • Thin coats and waterproofs
  • Book bags, backpacks, pencil cases and stationery
  • Polo shirts and plain coloured shirts
  • Shoes
  • Ties

The service also accepts other pieces of uniform including blazers, trousers, shirts and jumpers from all schools across Darlington.

Gavin Foster, The Northern Echo editor said: "This is a great opportunity for the community to come together for good - and not only save clothes from landfill but give them a new lease of life.

"I urge everyone to get involved and give what they can to Darlington Cares. The more donations they get, the better position they will be to help out families across town before school starts."

You can donate to any of these drop-off points:

  • Darlington Cares centre at the Feethams Car Park
  • The Dolphin Centre
  • In a Spin, North Road
  • Cockerton Club
  • Eastbourne Park Community Hub
  • Firthmoor Community Centre