Women who are poverty-stricken are having to use toilet roll holders, socks, tea towels and newspapers as sanitary products.

They cannot afford the usual towels and tampons, the group Dover smART Project warns.

It says that some women and girls in Dover district are missing school, college and work because they haven't been able to protect themselves.

The art group, which supports social causes, describes this as period poverty and launched a campaign today, St Valentines's Day, called #smartknickers to combat this.

It is both to raise awareness and set off the provision of free products for those who need them.

Dover smART co-ordinator Dawn Maddison said: “I cannot bear the though that girls and women are hiding away, because they do not have the means to deal with the most natural of monthly events.

" I think people were surprised at the scale of the issue.

“The stigma and shame surrounding menstruation is a huge part of the problem.

"It means girls are often struggling alone, afraid to ask for help, improvising in the most degrading way.

"If we can have frank and honest conversations about periods, it will teach girls as well as boys and men, this is nothing to feel forced to whisper about."

The sanitary products are available for nothing at smART's seafront gallery, with a basket discreetly in the women's toilets.

The campaign has already led to local businesses and organisations providing them for free. Places like Morrisons in the town and Dover College now have special collection bins.

Members of the public have also donated spare underwear in case of accidents.

Now Dover smART Project is urging other groups and organisations to develop similar collection and distribution systems in-house.

The campaign is supported by artist Aimee Lennon, 25, of Davis Avenue, Deal, who has created designs for it.

These will be shown at smART's venue, My Gallery, at Waterloo Crescent, Dover, from

Thursday, March 8, which is also International Women's Day.

Ms Lennon said: “It is an issue I feel strongly about. It is unbelievable that women and girls are going through this in our area.

“I want to help break down some of the stigma. Periods are the most natural thing in the world.”