DISADVANTAGED people in Africa, India and Eastern Europen could soon be wearing uniforms once sported by staff at a Colne building society.

Staff at the Colne branch of Skipton Building Society, in Albert Road, have received new uniforms so they decided to put their old ones to good use.

They have donated them to The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd, who will export them to be used by poor people in Africa, the Indian sub-continent and Eastern Europe.

Garth Ward, a Salvation Army representative, said: "We are grateful for the support from organisations like Skipton Building Society. It's really a case of helping people to help themselves -- setting up the Salvation Arm Trading Company Ltd is enabling disadvantaged communities to become self sufficient."

Paul Schofield, branch manager at the Colne branch of Skipton Building Society, said: "We have no use for the uniforms now so the team and I are pleased to be giving them to such a worthwhile organisation.

"Donating clothes not only helps the environment but also provides a valuable service to communities overseas. Our skirts and tops will be sent to Africa and the warmer trousers and jackets to either Eastern Europe or India. It's great to know that they will be put to good use."

The Salvation Army said that around one million tonnes of textiles which could have been recycled end up in the nation's dustbins every year.