A COSTUME exchange scheme is launching to help children who need fancy dress outfits.

Forest Monkeys, the parent and toddler group at Forest Community Centre in Bordon, is launching the project where parents pay £5 to join the scheme, acting as a deposit. They will then pay a fee of £2.50 to borrow a costume for two weeks.

Funds raised will support the work of Whitehill & Bordon Community Association which manages the centre.

Michael Rutland, deputy manager at the centre, said: “Dressing up for events like World Book Day or Hallowe’en parties can be pricey.

“When parents buy costumes they are soon outgrown.”

Costumes can also be donated at the community centre.