Manchester’s Joseph Holt brewery is helping families struggling to buy school uniforms for a second year.

With the cost of living crisis and high inflation putting ever greater burden on family budgets, the 174-old business is calling on customers and others to donate school wear at collection points set up in all Holt’s 127 pubs across the North West.

Holts marketing manager Paul Longmire said: “Now that school is out for summer, this is the time when uniform, which may well still be in good condition, may be disposed of perhaps because children have grown out of it or are changing school.

“We want to collect these good-quality items to give a lift to those families who are struggling. What`s more, recycling uniform will save landfill space and reduces greenhouse gases so there is an environmental benefit too.”

According to recent research by The Children’s Society parents are still spending “exorbitant amounts” on school uniforms despite new rules brought in last year to keep costs down. The organisation found parents are paying an average £422 a year for secondary school uniform and £287 for primary level pupils.

Last year the brewery launched its inaugural school uniform appeal with thousands of items donated.

Items can be dropped off at any Holts pub for organising according to size and school then listed on the pub’s Facebook page.

Some pubs will also be working with nearby schools to distribute items.

Anybody who would like uniform just needs to direct message the pub’s Facebook page and pieces will be put aside for collection. Any left over will be donated to the schools.

Longmire added: “Last year the response from customers and members was magnificent, showing how our pubs are very much at the heart of the communities they serve. With family budgets tighter than ever Joseph Holt is committed to doing everything we can to ensure struggling families get the uniform they need for their children.”

Pictured from left: Danielle and Blane McIntosh at the Bricklayer’s Arms in Salford with donated school uniforms. Credit: LDRS