IT is the new one-stop shop for clothes swaps — and it is changing lives for many families in Breightmet.

The Not Shop, in Kentmere Road, Breightmet, is a Bolton at Home scheme that provides clothing for people who cannot afford to buy their own.

It works in the same way as a food bank, except it offers clothing such as jumpers, trousers, shoes, scarves, hats and gloves – allowing customers to take up to five items per week.

For families hit by welfare reforms such as the "bedroom tax", budgeting for essentials such as food and clothing has become harder - and places like food banks and the Not Shop have become a lifeline.

The clothing is donated by members of the community, local businesses and Bolton at Home employees before it is washed, ironed and given to customers of The Not Shop free of charge.

Sisters Francesca and Laura Law, of Levons Drive, visit the shop regularly to drop off clothes they no longer wear — and pick up something new.

Francesca, aged 23, said: “It’s a really good service — I can come here and pick up a jumper for winter, whereas I wouldn’t be able to afford to get one new from the shops as they’re quite expensive.

“As well as taking clothes I also bring any old items here for other people to have once I’ve finished with them.

"I bring stuff I don’t want any more to be recycled and swap them for something different. It’s about helping the people in your local area too.”

Laura, aged 21, added: “Anyone can come in — but I think it’s better to bring something in too if you can and give something back to help the next person.

“I also donate food to the food bank when I can. It’s really important. Some people don’t have that much money for basic supplies so places like the Not Shop are really important.”

The shop, which opened in August this year, also provides a stepping stone for employment, offering practical employment skills before those who are employed can get back into regular work.

Bolton at Home neighbourhood manager Tony Cottam said: “Things like clothing and food are a basic need, and since benefits have been cut, many people cannot afford them.

“We support people from employment right down to the basics underneath that. This is one of the projects meeting a fundamental need for people in Breightmet by also helping them with employment opportunities.

“One of the workers at the shop, Sue, is currently on a six month contract paid through Shaw Trust, an organisation which helps find people find work.

"So this acts as a stepping stone back into work as people can put on their CV that they have experience in retail.

“All our projects are about building relationships with people in the area.

"Anyone is welcome to come in and take up to five items every week, but as well as that it is an opportunity for Ucan staff to engage with customers so we can help them in the best way possible.”