A FORMER Halesowen councillor is helping parents meet the costs of schooling by setting up a 'uniform swap'.

Ex-Labour representative Donella Russell says rising costs of school uniforms, especially with so many families hit financially by the fallout from the Covid pandemic, is putting extra strain on hard-up parents.

So she has decided to help ease the burden by establishing a drop-off and collection service for uniforms which are no longer needed.

The Uniform Swap team has already been accepting donations from all Halesowen primary schools, and both Earls and Leasowes high schools.

Uniforms can be looked at and collected from Lifecentral Church, Little Cornbow, every Thursday between 9am-noon from now until August 26.

Donella said: "When my youngest son left school I realised how much of his uniform, especially his PE kit, was in immaculate condition and I realised apart from handing it into the school for them to use, there may be another family that could benefit from it.

"That's where my idea came from."

Former councillor Hilary Bills is also helping with the initiative.

She said: "People have been so generous - we have lots of great uniform items."

Parents wishing to donate uniforms - preferably washed and labelled with either male or female and sizes - can do so at Lifecentral Church, between 8.30am-12.30pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Donella added: "I would like to thank Lifecentral Church for all their help in storing the uniforms and supporting the project.

"If anyone has any uniform they want to donate but are unable to visit at these times, please email donellaonyourside@gmail.com so delivery or collection can be arranged."