The University of Winchester has initiated a 'swap shop' for nursing students to recycle their old uniforms, along with a cloth bank on the West Downs Campus.

Graduates are also encouraged to return their uniforms. Although some garments are beyond repair, the initiative aims to raise funds for the nearby Winchester Hospice.

In the future, unfit uniforms will be donated in the cloth bank that accepts clothing donations from students and the public.

Miranda Chubb, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust sustainability officer, said: "We are very grateful to the university nursing students for choosing to either re-use or recycle their old uniforms via their swap shop or our clothing bank.

"Not only is this in line with the Trust’s Green Plan to improve sustainability, reduce carbon emissions and support the circular economy, the funds raised will be used to support Winchester Hospice.

"The Hospice provides invaluable support for those who need specialist palliative and end-of- life care, helping individuals to live as full a life as possible either as an inpatient or while being cared for at home, making a real difference to those in the community and their families.”

Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University, Elizabeth Davies-Ward, said: "We are immensely proud of our nursing student. Their commitment to caring extends way beyond the person as demonstrated by this initiative."