Regatta back-to-school sale has fleeces from £4.80 and a kids' jacket with a built-in torch

Parents preparing for the return to school could cut the cost of kitting out their children for unpredictable British weather, with Regatta's latest collection.

The outdoor clothing specialist has launched a back-to-school range covering children from nursery age through to teenagers, with coats, fleeces, changing robes, backpacks and other essentials among the options.

The Regatta back-to-school collection includes a number of relatively inexpensive layers perfect for chilly mornings, wet playgrounds and the transition into autumn.

One of the cheapest options is the Kids' Hot Shot II Half Zip Fleece, currently priced at £4.80.

Available in sizes from three to four years through to 14 years, the fleece comes in 25 plain and printed designs.

It is made from 170gsm Symmetry fleece, which is brushed on one side and treated to resist pilling on the other. The half-zip design also makes it relatively easy for children to get on and off.

For colder days, the Lofthouse Padded Jacket costs £25 and comes in 11 colours and designs, with sizes from three to four years up to 15 to 16 years.

It uses 200gsm recycled Warmloft insulation and has a durable water-repellent finish, elasticated hood and two zipped lower pockets.

Reflective trim around the jacket could be useful as mornings and afternoons become darker.

The Beamz Waterproof Insulated Jacket, priced at £49, incorporates Regatta's Brite Light sleeve torch technology, with a rechargeable LED light built into the sleeve to provide extra visibility during darker journeys.

It also features 360-degree reflective trim, 140gsm insulation and taped seams.

Its Isotex 15,000 fabric is designed to be waterproof and breathable for days when the school run coincides with heavy rain.

It comes in five colours and sizes from three to four years through to 14 years.

For swimming lessons, sports and wet-weather adventures, the Junior Changing Robe is another option at £24.

It combines a waterproof 200gsm Hydrafort outer with taped seams and a warm Borg fleece lining. There is also an inner security pocket, two lower pockets, a fixed hood and adjustable cuffs.

Sixteen colours and prints are available, with sizing from three to five years through to nine to 13 years.

For when the weather gets colder, the Kids' Frankie Warm Full Zip Fleece, priced at £17.50, provides a cosy layer.

The 200gsm Borg fleece is made using polyester and recycled polyester and features a zipped chest pocket, two zipped lower pockets and reflective detailing.

There are 11 plain and patterned versions, with sizes from three to four years through to 15 to 16 years.

The collection includes the Shilton II 15L Backpack priced at £18.

The backpack features a padded back panel and reflective detailing, alongside a top-lid closure and separate zipped pockets.

It comes in three colourways and is designed to hold everyday essentials without being excessively bulky.

For older pupils, university students or parents tackling the school run, the Thermulate Insulated Mug costs £15.

The 1.2-litre mug has a double-walled stainless-steel construction, comes in 10 colours and features a multifunction twist lid with straw, and claims to keep drinks warm for up to six hours or cold for up to 12 hours.

A number of the products also incorporate recycled materials, including the insulation used in the Lofthouse jacket and some of the fleece fabrics.

With prices starting at less than £5, Regatta's latest collection could give parents looking to prepare for the new school term another way to tackle the inevitable mix of chilly mornings, rainy walks and darker autumn evenings without spending a fortune.