A HALESOWEN school uniform exchange has been hailed a success, helping more than 300 families.

Labour councillor Hilary Bills and former councillor Donella Russell staged the swap in the Cornbow Centre in the town over August.

The initiative is in its fourth year and was set up to help families hit financially by the fallout from the cost of living crisis.

Hilary said the pre-loved school uniforms donated meant 310 families could be helped and given pre-loved uniform items for free.

Pictured: Hilary Bills (front) with (l to R) Nina Marriott, Donella Russell, Fiona Murray, Zuzana Polachova and John BillsPictured: Hilary Bills (front) with (l to R) Nina Marriott, Donella Russell, Fiona Murray, Zuzana Polachova and John Bills (Image: Handout)

Hilary said: "“Over the years we have built up a great team of volunteers who work well together.

"We enjoy helping families out during this cost of living crisis and helping many charities out at the same time.

"Many thanks to those families who donated pre-loved uniforms, nothing goes to waste.”

Donella said: "None of this would be possible without the support of Eve O’Connor, the Cornbow centre manager, who provides us with an empty shop unit for the month of August.

"We really appreciate her support and that of the centre staff too, who are always very helpful.”

Families who wanted to contribute towards the uniforms they received were encouraged to put a donation in the Halesowen in Bloom Big Blue Butterfly collection box inside the Cornbow shopping centre.

Badged uniform is kept ready for next year and unbadged is given to deserving charities such as the Beacon Centre and the Halesowen Welcome Group.