A CALL has been made to review the sale of East Lancashire school uniforms amid fears they cost too much.

Uniforms for many schools in the area are specially branded and can only be bought from one shop.

Now a senior councillor has called for a review after claiming some children were missing school because their family cannot afford the required uniforms. The criticism comes after the Government's told schools uniforms should be affordable and exclusive deals with suppliers should be scrapped.

Coun Maureen Bateson, from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said she had approached education bosses at the council to ask schools to re-assess their uniform policy.

She said: "The cost of uniforms is a major issue for low income families, and it needs addressing. I've had a number of people come to me about it.

"Schools are now insisting almost all items of uniform are specially branded which can only be bought from one shop, and some are now even extending this to PE kits.

"It's wrong. Parents ought to be able to but from the high street. There's so much competition now that uniforms can be bought for a fraction of the price."

Harry Devonport, assistant director of children's services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said school governors were responsible for uniform policies.

He said: "When governing bodies meet in the autumn term, we will ask them to consider the cost of uniform and sportswear, and remind them of our commitment to improving support for children and families in poverty or on low incomes."

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council, which covers schools in Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, said it had no influence on uniform policy.

Clare Rix, from Clitheroe-based schoolwear supplier Trutex, one of the UK's largest suppliers, said: "We have worked hard with the National Governors' Association to establish guidelines to allow schools to maintain their identity through key pieces of school uniform, such as badged sweatshirts, while maintaining a balanced approach giving parents the opportunity to buy uniforms from other retailers."