A WEST Dorset school is encouraging people to help raise funds for pupils by having a Christmas clear-out of their homes.

St Michael's Primary School in Lyme Regis has signed up to the 'Phil the Bag' clothes recycling scheme, which will turn old and unwanted clothing into much-needed funding to support pupils' learning.

The campaign aims to promote awareness of textile recycling in schools and the community.

Jo Hayden, chairman of the school's Parents and Friends Association (PFA) which is organising the scheme, said: "We are always looking for new ways and opportunities to raise important funds for the school.

"This fundraising programme recycles old and unwanted clothing and turns it into cash for the school.

"We ran this event last year and it was very successful, raising over £100.

"This is the perfect time for people to clear out their unwanted textiles in time for Christmas and help local schoolchildren in the process.

"We're currently fundraising for laptops for the pupils so we hope the community will really get behind this appeal."

People are encouraged to fill bags, cardboard boxes or even pillow cases with unwanted items of clothing and shoes and to take them to the school in King's Way on Friday morning by 9am.

The bags will be collected and weighed and Phil the Bag will give the school £350 for every tonne of clothing collected, so every kilo counts.

Items that can be donated include adult and children's clothing, shoes, bags, belts, hats, towels and household linen. Items that will not be accepted include rugs, canvas tents, sleeping bags, duvets, pillows, fabric off-cuts and wet items.

These textiles are then sold on and distributed to people who can use and enjoy them in developing countries.