AN MP has backed a scheme in Denbighshire to help eradicate ‘period poverty’.

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane has visited the Prestatyn Pop-In Centre to lend his support to Graunya Bean, who has co-ordinated the Red Box Project in the Denbighshire area since September, to discuss how the charity ensures girls have access to vital sanitary products.

The project puts boxes in schools with pads, tampons and even underwear and various businesses and organisations have got involved by acting as donation location collection point for the campaign. Thousands of girls miss school every year because they cannot afford menstrual products.

Mr Ruane said: “It is appalling that in this day-and-age a campaign of this nature is needed.

“Girls should not be missing out of school because they are having their period and they should be given help and support in addressing this."

The Red Box Project has collection boxes at The Pop In Center Prestatyn, Morrisons Rhyl, One Stop Grange Road, The Gift Shop Abergele, Housing Association in Denbigh, as well as in house boxes at businesses including ASDA Rhyl, McKlords in Bodelwyddan and Qioptiq in Rhyl.

Mrs Bean said: "I think many people naively think that this is a third world problem that only happens in Africa, but it's happening on our doorstep and we need to support these girls to ensure they don't miss out on their education.

"It's amazing that Chris has made time for us. He is very passionate about our community and he and his team are always willing to help."