A school is taking part in a pilot scheme to make sure no pupils are too poor to have access to sanitary products.

Mayfield School, in Pedley Road, Ilford, is providing tampons and sanitary towels to pupils on free school meals as and when they need them.

Redbridge Council is testing the scheme to see how many pupils use it and whether it is cost effective.

If successful, it could be rolled out across the borough in future.

Initially, the council has pumped £9,000 into the programme, which is part of the council’s bid to listen to, engage with and support the young people of Redbridge and tackle the issues most important to them.

The success of the programme will be determined and a decision as to whether to extend it made later this year.

Cllr Kam Rai, deputy council leader, said: "It's distressing to think that some young girls could be missing school because of a lack of sanitary towels.

"This pilot's funding will provide the data for us to share with government agencies and consider the options open to us."