PUPILS at a school in Colne are taking charge of their own futures by developing and running a savings scheme.

The youngsters involved in the scheme are aiming to encourage fellow pupils and staff to join the scheme and to get into the habit of saving for their futures.

Colne Primet High School has joined up with Colne Credit Union to start the Primet High School Savings Scheme, which will run as a Credit Union 'sub branch.

As part of the scheme, pupils will get experience in money management and learning new skills such as customer care, cash handling as well as marketing and promotion.

Karen Pashley, Treasurer of Colne and District Credit Union, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the young people at the school and we hope that they gain some worthwhile skills and knowledge of managing money through this scheme. We hope that this will be first of many schools in Pendle to start such as a scheme."

Janet Walsh, Headteacher of Colne Primet High School, said: "Hopefully, the scheme will help pupils realise the importance of saving for their futures.

"It may also help them make more informed choices about borrowing when they turn 18. The scheme will also provide those involve with running it invaluable experience of running a business, which will enhance their career opportunities."

Lynne Mitchell, a Community Economic Development worker from Pendle Council, who is funded via Pendle Partnership, said: "This is the first Lancashire County Council funded school to start such as scheme.

"The scheme connects pupils with IT, business management, citizenship and mathematics.

"It should provide pupils will better understanding about the importance of saving and help them later on in life."

The Credit Union is funded via Pendle Partnership, Pendle's Local Strategic Partnership, from the Government's Single Regeneration Budget and the Local Network Fund.