Back to school: Tyneside mum is collecting uniforms for parents who struggle to afford them

Going back to school after the summer holiday is one of the most expensive times of the year for parents.

Parents have been or will be shopping for school uniforms. One teachers' union has estimated the cost can be more than £100 pounds per child.

A Tyneside mother fed up with throwing away clothes that could be used again is helping other parents save money.

Mother of three Charlene Paterson is collecting hundreds of items of school clothing to be given to parents who might struggle to afford what is needed for the new school year.

After suggesting the idea Charlene has been overwhelmed by the number of people who've donated uniforms. Much of it is brand new.

The charity Children North East works with some of the regions poorest families. They say a family with several children will have to spend hundreds of pounds on school clothes.

They say that Schools don't realise that simply changing the uniform colour from blue or yellow to purple, for instance, can increase the costs four fold.

Charlene will open in the Kids Kabin in Walker for the rest of this week. Any clothes remaining, she will donate to the individual schools, to pass on to less fortunate families.