MORE than 500 people turned up to a School Uniform Bank - set up to help struggling families in Redditch.

Councillor Joe Baker set up Redditch Labour Party's uniform bank seven years ago after seeing families struggling to cope with rising costs.

He said he has seen the situation getting worse each year.

Cllr Baker said this year's was the largest turnout ever, with five times more people than last year attending.

"What stood out to me most of all was the dignity and respect everyone showed each other, a community working together," he said.

"I would like to thank everyone that has made this year possible especially the staff and volunteers at the Ecumenical Centre, and the members of the Redditch Labour Party.

"This is what the Labour party does - brings everyone together to help at times of need. However, the large increase just goes to show how this Conservative Governments austerity has hit hard.”

Shaz Harvey, Eco n Wise member, added: “Over 500 people visited and I didn’t see anyone leave empty handed - we must have saved thousands of pieces of clothing from being wasted, as well as helping people save a lot of money.

"It’s the perfect example of reuse and recycle.”

Surplus items will be sorted and passed on to various other projects, including other uniform banks, refugee projects and projects to provide uniforms to children in third world countries.