STAFF at a branch of Skipton Building Society have put their old uniforms to good use with help from the Salvation Army.

Staff at the Bedale branch, who have just received new uniforms, have donated their old ones to the Salvation Army Trading Company. The uniforms will be used by communities overseas.

According to the Salvation Army, about one million tonnes of textiles end up in the nation's dustbins every year - some of which could be recycled. Sue Barker, building society branch manager, said: "Our skirts and tops will be sent to Africa and the warmer trousers and jackets to either India or Eastern Europe. It is great to know that they will be put to good use."

Salvation Army spokesman Garth Ward said: "We are grateful for the support from organisations like Skipton. It is a case of helping people to help themselves - the trading company is enabling disadvantaged communities to become self-sufficient."