Children in Lanarkshire are being offered free back to school haircuts next week as families are helped in the current cost of living crisis.
The initiative run by a local community group in Hamilton sees a drop-in service on Thursday, August 11, where youngsters aged 5-18 can attend at no cost.
It will be held at Gilmour and Whitehill Parish Church in the town between 11am and 3pm, and local hairdressers and barbers will be on hand to help out.
The move has been praised across the community as local councillors applaud the efforts of organisers Community Links.
August can be an expensive time for local families as children require uniforms and other essentials for schools returning after the summer holidays.
This year has been particularly difficult as the well-documented surge in living costs continue to rise.
The aim of the free haircuts is to alleviate any pressures families have before the new term starts on August 17.
Community Development Officer Kimberley Keys told Lanarkshire Live : "We support a wide range of groups and everything that keeps coming back is everyone is worried about the cost of living and it does put a lot pressure on parents from all backgrounds.
"Maybe a free haircut is money that can go towards fuel, heat the house over the weekend, or for a pair of shoes, so it can help out in many ways.
"We want to support people on a monetary basis and reduce any sort of worry and stress families might experience with the return to school."
The drop-in haircuts service is open from kids about to begin primary one, straight through to those in sixth year at secondary school.
The facilities including professional barbers and hairdressers have been donated for free, with free refreshments available on the day too.
Supporting the move is Hamilton West and Earnock Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark McGeever. He said: "This is a great idea that will make a real difference.
"We're in a cost of living crisis where people's wages just don't pay for everything they used to. It isn't about still affording luxuries - for many it means not being able to afford essentials.
"The new school year has always been an expensive time for families, and this year many more will be worried about getting everything their kids and young people need.
"A visit to the barber or hairdresser is could be the thing that some mums and dads think may have to be sacrificed to pay for more urgent things like clothes.
"By providing free haircuts to pupils those involved will undoubtedly offer worried parents a huge sense of relief.
"It's a fantastic thing to do for the community and I know it will be hugely appreciated."
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