// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Demand soars for free school uniform, says charity
Ashleigh Hirst says the demand for school uniform increases every year
A charity which offers free school uniforms says it has helped more than 100 children prepare for the new school year.
Doreen's, based at North Point Shopping Centre in Hull, repurposes unwanted uniforms and gives them to families across the city free of charge.
Ashleigh Hirst, the charity's co-founder, said: "The demand is so high so we are just wanting to help with whatever we can."
New limits on branded school uniform come into force from September, in a bid to reduce costs for parents.
Hirst, 34, said the charity had been particularly busy this week, with people queuing outside the shop before it had opened.
"We knew that there was a need, but we didn't realise how big of a need there actually was," she said.
The average cost of a full school uniform and PE kit is £442 for a child at secondary school and £343 for a primary school pupil, according to the latest Department for Education data.
From September, the number of items such as blazers, jumpers of sportswear with a compulsory school logo will be limited to three - plus a tie for secondary schools.
The government said the changes would save some families up to £50 per child.