A HARD-WORKING Hereford mum says rising prices are forcing her to choose between buying food or school uniform.

Cat Roche said as a child she learnt to budget as she was brought up by an “amazing” mum, who had to pay rent and bills first.

“My budgeting was doing the monthly shop and shopping around to make sure we had all our food,” she said.

Google has made it easier to shop around and compare prices, but school uniform is still a very expensive necessity, especially when children move to secondary school, Ms Roche said.

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“The cost is disgusting and can break a parent due to worry and finding the money – I remember the stress it caused my mum, with two kids,” she said.

A blazer is £40 or more, PE kit is £60 or more, and the cheapest tie is £5, she said.

She will usually get uniform in July, as shops have 25 per centre off.

She also uses Facebook to source second-hand uniform in a bid to keep costs down.

“In Hereford we have been very lucky, as one mum set up a uniform swap shop and the Kindle Centre did an event, where we can go to look and find uniforms for our children,” said Ms Roche.

The Kindle Centre has been holding school uniform donation events for families struggling to meet the costs.

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Ms Roche said the event has saved her £60 or more as she has got six pairs of shorts of different sizes to prepare for when her children grow, a few logo jumpers and primary PE kit.

“I always shop in the sales and have storage boxes to pack the clothes in.

“And I always give my kids clothes to friends and family, charity shops or to the Kindle Centre.”

“So, no clothes go to waste and I’m helping out another parent to save money and ease any pressures, especially in these times.”