A uniform swap shop has proven popular during lockdown at one Runcorn school with skirts, shirts and trousers being distributed to those in need.

Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy launched its OBA in the community initiative during the current lockdown when students were asked to stay at home.

Staff from the Barnfield Avenue academy visited designated points in the local area onboard the school minibus supply students with equipment and resources and offering support.

Youngsters and their families were asked to visit the stop points as part of their daily exercise and bring donations of uniform that they no longer needed while collecting school stationery.

Mrs Snagg, associate assistant principal for transition and community at the academy said: “We know that for lots of our families, money is currently tighter as a result of the pandemic.

“We also know that during the period of school closure, lots of our students will have outgrown their school uniform and instead of this being thrown away, it could be used to benefit other children.

“We issued a call for donations and once they had been quarantined and washed, we were able to redistribute the items to other students.

“The OBA in the community initiative was really popular with our families and it gave staff the chance to touch base with students away from their computer screens.”

With students having returned to school last week, OBA staff are keen to keep the community initiative active for the rest of the half term.