School 'inundated' with donations for washing machine to clean pupils' clothes

A school in Stoke-on-Trent, which is considering buying a washing machine for pupils whose parents cannot afford to clean their clothes, has been "inundated" with donations.

St Paul’s Church of England Primary School announced yesterday it was thinking about buying a machine, after a rise in the number of students attending school with "washing and hygiene issues".

Charity In Kind Direct, which currently provides the school with toothpaste, sanitary products and toilet roll among other essential items, conducted a survey which showed 40% of parents cannot afford basic hygiene products.

The charity says the school is very grateful for the offers it has received but is asking that all donations are made through the charity.