PUPILS in Lyme Regis are collecting textiles in order to raise funding for their school and help those less fortunate.

Youngsters at St Michael's CE Primary School are offering a free community collection service - and are aiming to collect 500 bags of textiles by Friday May 15.

The pupils are collecting clothing, paired shoes, accessories, handbags, costume jewellery, towels and bed linen - including duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases.

The items can be donated in any type of bag in order to raise funding for the school - with the help of Advantage Digital Print of Dorchester, who have supplied flyers and posters to help promote the scheme.

Miss Annabelle Grose, headteacher at St Michael's CE Primary School, said: "St Michael's School PFA (Parent and Friends Association) are always finding different ways to fundraise throughout the year to help provide new books, particularly cooking and design and technology materials to enhance our pupil's' learning experience.

"This textile fundraising scheme is positive for everyone. We are not asking directly for funds but simply for any clothing, shoes or textiles that the local community no longer requires.

"Clearing unwanted items will help us achieve our 500 bag goal and give us the chance to buy new resources."

Every single item collected will be recycled. The wearable clothing, shoes, belts, hats and handbags will be reused by those in developing countries, as will the bedding and towels. Any items that cannot be worn or used will be remade into clothes or other items to ensure that nothing is wasted. With around 12 percent of landfill items made up of textiles, locals can help both St Michael’s School and those in less fortunate countries without spending a penny.

Donations of textiles can be dropped off at the school before 9.30am on Friday May 15 or a free collection from home or places of work can be arranged by calling Debbie Conibere on 07931 945282.