STAFF at a local secondary school have come up with a novel idea to help pupils get more a helping hand ahead of one of their most important nights.

Inverclyde Academy has launched a 'prom bank' in a bid to help families and students recycle items already worn and ease any financial worries ahead of their gala evening.

Organisers how that the idea will mean future prom nights are more accessible to everyone.

Pupils spend money getting dressed up for the event in outfits sometimes never worn again.

Sabrina McCready, depute head of senior phase, said: “We are conscious that prom can be expensive and we want to support all the young people and highlight that they don’t need to spend a huge amount to have a great time.

“It is a celebration of their six years at school and we wanted to come up with something to help people spend a little less money and spend more time celebrating the night with teachers and friends.”

"Prom is a time for the whole of the senior class to join together and celebrate before heading off to college, university, apprenticeships, work or to travel.

"Pupils spend money getting dressed up for the event in outfits sometimes never worn again and we wanted to put there to good use."

Now teens can hand their outfits to the school, where they will be kept and before being gifted to other pupils for upcoming events.

The school have already received several dresses and are appealing for people to make more donations.

Mrs McCready said: “It’s not just a dress or a suit, it’s the shoes and the accessories - and the cost does add up.

“We already try to level the playing field by taking all the pupils to prom in buses to avoid people paying for limos but we think this will take even more pressure off families.

“I think the pupils feel pressure to look good and many have made to measure suits and expensive dresses, but the night isn’t about that and we want them to enjoy it without worrying about the cost.”

The prom bank will be there for anyone who needs it and dresses, suits, shoes, handbags and accessories are all welcome.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can hand them into the school office.

Pictured are pupils Rebecca McConnachie and Katy Stirling from S6 at the bank's launch.