Free school uniforms will soon be available from a charity which has just taken over an empty town centre bank building.

Gillingham Street Angels have just picked up the keys to the old Lloyds in Rainham High Street and are planning to open on Monday, September 4.

The substantial premises will also include a hub upstairs where a district nurse will hold sessions with vulnerable and homeless people, and a DJ will be coming in to do training workshops with youngsters with special needs.

The charity already has well-established outlets in Rochester and Gillingham and more recently took over the former Argos store in Chatham High Street.

Chief executive Neil Charlick said: “We have been keeping an eye on Rainham for some time and are also looking at Strood to complete our presence in all of the five Towns.

”Not everyone can get to our other shops and cafes so for some it’s on their doorstep.

“Like all our other places, we don’t aim to be just another charity shop. We want to give something back to the community.”

Lloyds closed its branch in November 2019 as more customers are opting for online banking.

Neil, who runs the charity with wife Tracey, said they would be liaising with school welfare officers to recommend referrals from parents finding it hard to shell out for uniforms and equipment.

They will also be handing out free sanitary products and blankets in colder weather.

He added they would be looking to work with members of St Margaret’s Church in the High Street which supports a food bank

GSA has just extended its lease for a further year with the Watts’ Charity which owns the Argos building in Chatham.