The Salvation Army says it is becoming increasingly concerned at the plight of low income earners across the region, as they battle with the increasing cost of living.

The Salvos say they base their concerns on an eight-percent rise in sales their  stores over the past 12 months.

NEVILLE BARRETT from the SALVATION ARMY says they expect the sales to increase even further as more and more people turn to "  hand me downs “   to survive.

Some Salvos Op shops have seen business increase by more than 40% in the last 12 months.