Sittingbourne free school uniform project has had more than 1,500 items donated.

The Community Wardrobe aims to make it easier for low-income families to get ready for the new school year.

Having finished its second year, the project’s organisers have seen an increase in demand for the clothing and in the supply of donations.

Local churches worked with Swale council, housing association Optivo, NET Church, voluntary groups such as Joining Hands Joining Hearts, and the Neighbourhood Furniture Store, to redistribute the items, which were dropped off at points across Sittingbourne.

The Rev Lesley Jones, assistant curate for the benefice of Milton Regis with Murston, Bapchild and Tonge, said: “We had 25 families turn up in the space of just a few hours at one distribution session, which shows just how important it is.

“Local parents have been amazing, responding quickly to specific requests for items on social media; some of the clothes donated have never been worn and still have labels on.

“This has really been about people helping people, and it’s so heartwarming to see.”

The final session handing out clothes was held on Friday, August 25, at the Neighbourhood Furniture Store in the Trinity Trading Estate.

The Rev George Rogers, vicar of Milton Regis with Murston, Bapchild and Tonge, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many organisations working in partnership with churches to make this scheme a reality.

“We’re so grateful to all those officers and volunteers who have helped bring this vision to fruition again for the benefit of local families.”

To find out more about the project, visit the Sittingbourne Community Wardrobe Facebook page