Almost half of parents say recent rise in the cost of living has made it much more difficult to meet back to school expenses.

A study from Barnardos has found 69 percent of primary school parents and three in four secondary school parents are worried about meeting costs this year.

The charity is calling on the government to introduce free schoolbooks, end voluntary contributions and maintain the recent increase in the clothing and footwear allowance.

Sarah is a mother of four and says everyone she knows is facing the same struggles this September.