A WINCHESTER foodbank is helping ensure that all children can attend their prom by renting out clothing.

According to data from the Child Poverty Action Group, not all children finishing off their GCSE’s or A-Levels go to their prom due to not being able to afford appropriate clothing, with the charity estimating that clothes, hair and make-up for the celebrations are costing families upwards of £200.

Winchester Community Pantry, at Unit 12, wishes to aid those in need by offering prom dresses, suits and accessories to struggling families.

Hampshire Chronicle: Those in need will be able to rent shoes alongside suits and dresses from the community pantryThose in need will be able to rent shoes alongside suits and dresses from the community pantry (Image: Winchester Community Pantry)

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There is no need to book, with those who want to use the service able to just turn up, borrow an item and pledge to return it.

Community pantry manager, Lara Tarrant, said: “We want the kids and their parents who come to our prom events to feel at ease and enjoy their fittings, so we ensure a warm, welcoming atmosphere where we all have a lot of fun, and make the kids feel glamorous and special.”

Schools across the Winchester district will be having their end of year proms in June and July. Unit 12 held its first prom event in February, with seven items being loaned out.

A second prom clothing event will be held on Friday, April 5 from 2pm to 4pm, while a third event is scheduled for an unconfirmed date in May.

Hampshire Chronicle: Unit 12 is looking for people to donate clothes to be rented outUnit 12 is looking for people to donate clothes to be rented out (Image: Winchester Community Pantry)

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Unit 12 is asking that families consider donating dresses, shoes, suits and accessories in good condition to be rented out.

Those interested in helping can volunteer at the prom fitting sessions, or by offering to take donated dresses to the dry cleaners.

The community pantry is also hoping for sponsorship to cover the rental of the space to safely store the clothes. Johnsons the Cleaners has already pledged to be a sponsor, offering to dry clean every item for free.