Prom season is round the corner and families worrying about the cost of dresses are being offered a lifeline by the Clothing Giveaway at St Mark’s Church, Upper Hale, Farnham.

On April 9 the church will be open from 6-8pm with a selection of dresses which have been given so that others can have a chance to wear them. These will be available for a small donation to help keep the scheme running, or free to those who genuinely cannot afford anything.

The Clothing Giveaway is a joint venture between St Mark’s Church and the Hale Community Centre and offers pre-loved clothes to keep them out of landfill and to save people money. It is usually on a Monday morning but is also opening for the evening session so that Year 11s who have proms and Year 13s having their leavers’ balls can have a chance to select dresses.

A spokesperson for the Clothing Giveaway said: “Each year shops and websites offer prom and ball dresses which range from under £100 to more than £1,000. Add to that the cost of shoes, nails, make-up, hair, and transport and you are looking at hundreds of pounds which frankly most of us can’t afford. Obviously, you don’t have to spend money on hair and make-up and so on, but even so the outfits cost a lot and then are rarely worn again.

“People have been very generous in giving us dresses free and we want to pass them on to others. We don’t have many suits for young men unfortunately, so if anyone wants to donate one, please do and if anyone wants to donate a dress we’d be grateful too, even if it is after April 9 as the need will still be there.”

Entry to the Clothing Giveaway is free. To find out more call 0734 250 8164.