A RED Box campaign is being launched by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in a bid to help young women facing period poverty.

Coinciding with the International Day of Women's Health, MFRS Red Box campaign will be launched on Tuesday, May 28.

Nine fire stations will have a red box were staff and the public can donate sanitary products - pads or tampons of any type, brand or size; and pants and tights in any size - then once full, the boxes will be handed out to local high schools.

Other hygiene products such as deodorant are also welcomed.

In Wirral, donations can be made at Heswall Community Fire Station.

MFRS assistant chief fire officer Dave Mottram said: “It is sad that there are some young women in Merseyside who are at a disadvantage because they find they cannot afford the sanitary products they need.

“I am really proud of how this project has been driven by our community firefighters who have shown such support for getting this campaign up and running.

“A special mention to our female firefighters who have shown such passion and determination in wanting to ensure that young girls have every opportunity to follow a professional career like them.

“As an organisation that runs Cadets and Prince’s Trust programmes, we have first-hand experience of how important it is for young people to be equipped to access opportunities like these.”

The Red Box project was set up in 2017 by three friends who were shocked to hear about period poverty in a bid to ensure young women do not miss out on education or other opportunities if they struggle to afford sanitary products.

For more information about the Red Box Project visit

www.redboxproject.org