Peterborough families cut school uniform costs at swap event

Victoria – the BBC has agreed to not include her surname – 33, said her five-year-old daughter had “shot up” in size and needed more clothes for the new term.

“She’s five but she’s in six and seven-to-eight stuff so we need summer dresses,” she said.

Victoria 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.

Everything in the pop-up is free — and organisers say it is helping to reduce waste.

“Supermarkets and shops are selling too much and there’s much more that can be shared,” said Cristina Fernandez-Hierro from Peterborough City Council.

She said the event 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.”