NOW that school’s out for the summer, parents and carers of school-aged children are being encouraged to donate school uniforms they no longer require to Cowdenbeath's Barnardo's shop.

Back-to-school costs can be a daunting prospect over the summer months for some families. Grabbing a bargain local school uniform at a fraction of mainstream store costs could lessen a burden for many in the community.

Area Business Retail Manager Deriel Watt says, “As excited as the end of school can be for our children, it can mark the start of a budgetary worry for some parents and carers. What better way to lessen that burden for some – and keep other homes clutter-free! – than to donate uniforms for local schools to our stores!

"Our team will be delighted to help find them new homes all while raising funds for the many services we provide for vulnerable children and young people in the area.”

Barnardo’s Scotland relies on the income generated from their shops to help support their work.

All money raised in the Cowdenbeath store at the north end of High Street goes towards community-based services