Parents can apply for a £25 voucher towards their child's school uniform.

Youngsters in Cumbria may be eligible for a free school clothing grant provided by Cumbria County Council worth £25 - or £35 for secondary pupils.

The grant is available for parents who are in receipt of certain benefits including income support, Job Seekers Allowance, Child Tax Credits or Universal Credit.

Applying online takes around five minutes.

Once approved, the council sends parents a voucher which they can redeem for cash at the Post Office, giving them the choice of where to buy school clothing.

Parents can apply online at www.cumbria.gov.uk/uniforms .

Paper copies of the application forms are also available. Call 01228 606060 for further details.