HUNDREDS of children have been kitted out with new school uniforms by a Manchester charity, as a new report highlights the financial headaches caused by the start of term.

The cost of replacing a school uniform - often including items for PE and other activities - can cost parents hundreds of pounds every year.

According to a new survey conducted for Barnados and the Citizens Advice Bureau, 73 per cent of parents find the cost of buying uniform to be 'stressful'.

Manchester children's charity, Wood Street Mission, supported by MEN Media, has stepped in to give new uniforms to 660 children from struggling families.

A spokesman said: "The start of the new school term is one of the most expensive times of year for families, second only to the week running up to Christmas.

"For families who are already struggling to make ends meet, the extra expense of providing uniforms can just be too much.

"This means that some kids have to go to school in unsuitable clothes, which can make them targets for bullying or can mark them out as a troublemaker.

"It can lead to behavioural problems and decreased attendance.

"In short, the education of vulnerable children whose parents cannot afford to buy full uniforms is put at risk."

Wood Street has offered parcels of new and second-hand clothing, bedding and baby equipment to families in need for some time.

But this is the first time they have been able to supply families with new school uniforms.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said a spokesman. "There are so many more families in need of our help."