SCHOOL holidays are putting an ever-increasing strain on the family budget. Having fun for all sets back working parents £1,200 over the summer, according to research by the Abbey National. Another pull on the purse strings is the looming shopping trip to kit out the children for the return to school.

It has been calculated that an average family with three children will have to spend a minimum of £400 on school uniforms and PE kits in preparation for the new school term, just weeks away.

However, shopping wisely - with an eye on bargain buys - should soften the blow to your bank balance.

Luckily, when it comes to cut-price clothes for school, there's a good selection of stores to choose from in York. And for those who'd rather skip the high street, some stores now offer shopping online or by mail order.

Here's our guide to finding the best buys for back-to-school wear this year, listed in alphabetical order:

Adams, Monks Cross, York

This collection is for children aged between four and ten, with complete school outfits costing from £18. A mix of trendy and traditional styles is available and the entire range is made from machine washable, minimum-iron fabrics with many featuring tough Teflon coating. Name tags are included on all items with indelible pens available for £1.99.

Asda, Monks Cross, York

Voted number one for value for money by BBC Watchdog, the George schoolwear range this year aims to cut prices even further. Several items in the collection have had their prices 'rolled-back' from 1999: traditional pinafores were £6.99 now £5.95, boys elastic trousers were £6.99 now £5.95. Styles range from the classy to trendy for children aged three-16. Highlights include reversible fur gilets from £10.99, pinafores with embroidered details £7.99, and smart gingham dresses £8.99.

Website: www.georgeonline.co.uk

Bhs, Coney Street, York

The 'One-Stop Shop' is full of uniform essentials as well as outerwear, footwear, gym and sports gear and undies for children aged three to 16. Prices start at £7 for skirts and boys trousers with pinafores from £10. Twin packs of shirts or blouses start at £7, blazers start at £17. Look out for fashionable twists on uniform basics such as wrap-over cargo-style skirts from £9.

Matalan, Clifton Moor, York

The emphasis here is on budget clothes which are fashionable yet practical. Prices start at £13.50 for a complete combo of shirt, trousers and jumper. Girls pinafores start at £4.50 and packs of two blouses are £4. Boys trousers sell from £5. Also, many items are coated in Teflon to increase stain resistance. Lycra is also used to help retain shape and hems are extra long.

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, off the A19 at the A64 junction south of York

If your children are pestering you for super-trendy labelled gear, this is the place to visit. Leading names such as Adidas, Reebok and Kickers are available with between 30 to 50 per cent off high street prices. Shoes, trainers and sports bags are some of the best buys to snap up, but also look out for top label sports wear at reduced prices too.

Mothercare, Coney Street and Clifton Moor, York

Sells key elements such as pinafores, skirts, trousers and polo shirts for children aged three to eight, with most in a non-iron fabric. Best buys include twin-pack polo shirts at £8 or £10 for a pack of three, A-line pinafore with heart zip £10, boys elastic back waisted trousers at £7 and fleece sweatshirts at £6.

Rawcliffes, Colliergate, York

You can buy a wide range of schoolwear here: from shirts and skirts, to football boots and backpacks. Clothes are available in a wide range of colours, to meet the requirements of most schools, whether on the field or off. Best buys include twin pack shirts at £9.99, skirts from £6.99 and trousers from £7.99. Backpacks are £10 and jackets with reflective patches for extra -safety are £24.99.

Tesco, York

Tesco has reduced its prices from last year. Twin-pack blouses were £7-9, now £6-8; pinafores were £10 now £7; boys classic Teflon trousers were £10 now £7 and crew-neck sweatshirts were £9-11 now £6-8. The clothes will fit children aged three to 16 and for the first time, jumpers and sweatshirts should be available in the various colours of York schools. Clothes can also be ordered from home via Tesco Direct, call 0845 7024024.

Woolworths, Coney Street and Monks Cross, York

The Ladybird children's wear collection is a firm favourite for families offering low-cost looks for youngsters. The back-to-school collection is no exception with easy-care blouses from £2.49 and A-line skirts at £6. Look out too for twin-pack polo shirts from £4.99.