NEARLY 3,500 youngsters face losing a special grant which helps them buy a school uniform, it was revealed today.

Newport council wants to axe the £25 given to every primary school-age child whose parents receive income support.

The fund - which serves 3,360 youngsters and is worth £84,000 - is set to be scrapped under budget cost-cutting measures.

Colin Symonds, a father of three, from Wear Close, Bettws, whose eight-year old son, Kyle, is eligible, said: "It's a pittance but there are families who depend on that last little bit of support.

"Sometimes a jumper can cost £25 and it's the schools who are demanding them. Parents struggle to afford it.

"Without this help there will be some children who are bullied because they don't have a full uniform. This is disgraceful. What's next? Free school dinners?"

An assistant at a Newport uniform shop said that on average a seven-year-old's trousers cost £8, a sweater, £7.50, a polo shirt, £6.50, gym shorts, £4, and a basic gym T-shirt, £2. In addition, there is the cost of shoes, a school bag and stationery.

Councillor Carole Atwell, a governor at Llanmartin Primary, said: "Over 20 per cent of children at Llanmartin are eligible for this grant. I'm very distressed by any move that might deprive a child that needs support."

And father of four Keith Bennett, of Sandpiper Way, Duffryn, said: "This £25 can go a long way and uniforms are expensive."

The cut is among £1,139,100 of proposed savings the council has identified as it tries to balance its books for the 2005/06 budget. Councillor Bob Poole, cabinet member for young people's services, said scrapping the grant would make the department more "cost effective". But he said the council maintains "its commitment to supporting the educational needs of children".