A mother is organising a campaign to send jumpers, shirts and sports kit worth thousands of pounds to developing countries after the shock closure of her children's school.

Mother-of-three Michele Riley said uniforms bearing the logo of Newlands School in Seaford are useless to its 450 pupils, who are now fighting to find places at other schools.

Mrs Riley, 41, from East Hoathley, wants to ensure the clothes are put to good use.

She said: "Every time I look at the pile of uniforms by the washing machine it makes me want to cry. They have no purpose any more and they cost about £300 each. If they go to a second-hand shop no one will buy them. Surely there must be a school somewhere in the world which is struggling and would really appreciate them.

"This would be something positive to come from the whole disaster."

Mrs Riley's eight-year-old son Sam has been offered a scholarship at Stonelands, a ballet and theatre arts school in Church Road, Hove, but his twin sister Mia has yet to find a new school.

Her other daughter India, 15, is due to find out in the next few days whether she has a place at St Bede's School in Upper Dicker, Hailsham, where she studied until December last year.

The Year 10 pupil had a bursary at St Bede's but her parents moved her because it was still too expensive. Now they have been told if she is offered a place it will be without the promise of financial assistance.

Mrs Riley said: "She could end up going to three schools in one year. We moved her as quickly as we could because we knew it was an important time, with exams and coursework coming up.

"Some people are being told straight away if they have places, while others have to wait. It should be on a first come, first served basis."

The independent Newlands School closed last week, blaming financial difficulties. It later emerged school bosses had taken out a loan to expand its facilities and build more accommodation but could no longer afford the repayments.

More than 150 parents and pupils gathered outside Newlands on Saturday for a rally, aimed at landlords the Chittenden family, who last week refused an offer from education specialists Cognita to transfer the lease.

Anyone interested in helping Mrs Riley can call her on 01825 841151.