A BANK has been set up at a Worcester school to help pupils learn more about managing money.

Children at Gorse Hill Community Primary School will be able to open accounts, pay money in and get bank statements.

The bank will be run by the pupils and teachers and is aimed at helping pupils to understand more about banking and the basics of managing money.

Headteacher Vivienne Cranton said: "The students are really excited about their bank. It's very important that they gain basic money management even at this young age and setting up, running and using their own bank is an extremely practical and fun way of doing this.

"We would like to thank Kim and NatWest for helping make this happen and we look forward to even more excitement and financial learning as the weeks progress.

"All pupils will have the opportunity to open an account and pay in money at the school bank during published opening hours; they will also receive regular account statements, which NatWest staff will go through with them.

"This will help them to understand the process of running a bank account and see their savings grow."

The activities are part of the NatWest Face 2 Face With Finance programme, a national scheme set up by the bank to develop business and financial skills among the young.

Kim Whitehouse, from NatWest, said: "The importance of financial capability for young people cannot be underestimated as it's essential that they are equipped with the skills and confidence required to make decisions in adult life.

"Once young people go out into the world of work and start earning money, it is important that they know what to do with it.

"As a result I'm delighted that NatWest is able to help Gorse Hill primary ensure that their pupils will be better prepared for the time when they have to manage their own finances."

Face 2 Face With Finance consists of a series of four modules, the school bank being one of them.

Any schools or colleges wanting to find out more about programme can contact NatWest's regional scheme manager Lisa White on 07990 792284 or visit the Face 2 Face With Finance website at www.natwestf2f.com