Darlington

At Darlington Borough Council's exchange, located on the ground floor of a multi-storey car park, all the uniforms have been donated and are free to local parents, who are able to stock up on branded items from over 25 schools in the area.

In Darlington town centre, one mum with two sons at primary school and a daughter in secondary said she was worried about the jump in uniform costs coming when her sons join secondary school.

Conservative Jonathan Dulston said the cuts should act as a wake-up call for Labour-led Darlington Borough Council.

Darlington Borough Council has been approached for a comment.

St Mary's made the announcement just days after King's Church, also in Darlington, revealed it had scaled back its food bank operation following a drop in funding.