I welcome the move by Schools minister Nick Gibb looking at limiting calculators in primary schools amid fears that children are growing up unable to do simple sums.

The move would affect children under nine in state schools.

The minister hinted that maths exams taken by 11-year-olds are also likely to be reformed, scrapping a section that allows use of calculators.

I was taught maths the old way where we had to learn arithmetic tables, and I can remember them to this day.

I’m not a genius at maths but the education I received in that subject means I can add up things using my brain.

I am constantly amazed at young shop assistants who use a calculator to add up even small bills.

In fact, in Preston two weeks ago I bought a newspaper for 55p and a can of pop for 60p and the young girl added it up using a calculator, which astonished me.

British teenagers are ranked 28th for mathematics skills among peers in developed nations.

Hopefully this policy change will help improve on that rating so that pupils are more ready for the challenges ahead in a very competitive labour market.

Coun D Pearson, Blackburn.