Durham Clothing Bank 'Life-Changing' In First Year

One year on from the Durham clothing bank opening it's doors - a local mum says it's changed her life.

She wanted to stay anonymous after leaving an abusive relationship, and says just being able to get clothing for her kids means everything.

"I started coming to the clothing bank six months ago, I just find it so helpful. Getting out of that relationship a year ago to where I am now, I've just found it totally life changing really."

The mum and her son told us the service provides them with clothing, toiletries and even everyday essentials like milk can be accessed from a near-by food bank.

Founder Dawn Wilson says stories like hers are sadly not alone though, and says they can often see up to 150 people walk through the doors each fortnight.

On average they will give 100 bags of clothing a week.

Dawn says the service they provide is still just as vital, 12 months on.

"If we were not here, these people would be in dire straits. They couldn't afford they need, if they've got little ones, they've got no money ... It's heartbreaking to see people coming through the doors, and being frightened to walk through those doors. We had a gentleman a few weeks ago, he stood at the door and wouldn't come through. He said we was ashamed. But we managed to talk him through and he was fine once we got him inside. We could then get him the help he needed."