Peterborough Uniform Swap Signals UK Consumer Strain

More than 600 people queued outside a former burger bar in Peterborough on Friday for a free school uniform swap. The pop-up, run by the city council and local volunteers, offered second-hand blazers and coats.

Branded school uniforms really hit a hole in the budget, said Hannah, a 30-year-old whose eldest daughter starts secondary school in September. She told the BBC she puts money aside before the previous school year ends, thinking of the costs coming out of summer. 'This is a great way to give back to the community,' she said.

Victoria, 33, said her five-year-old daughter had 'shot up' in size and needed more clothes for the new term. She described herself as 'quite savvy' and said attending free events in the city helped keep costs down during the school holidays. 'I'd probably be more stressed if these things weren't here though,' she said.

Cristina Fernandez-Hierro from Peterborough City Council said the pop-up made people feel empowered. 'They are not just having charity, they are actually making a difference,' she said. 'Every time you reuse an item of clothing you are actually helping the environment.'