THE Bishop of Newcastle went back to school last week to tell Haydon Bridge youngsters how to spend – or how not to spend – their pocket money.

The Right Rev. Christine Hardman was at the village’s Shaftoe Trust Primary School as part of the Government-backed Lifesavers project.

The initiative, which was spearheaded by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, is working with schools across the district to learn about the benefits of financial management.

At the heart of the Lifesavers programme is a school-based savings club, where children are encouraged to save small, regular amounts of money.

Mrs Hardman said: “It’s a real thrill to see Lifesavers in action in a Tynedale school after seeing it launched in Newcastle just a few months ago.

“Children, their parents, carers and teachers are all learning together about the ways money can work for good and how not to let it take over your life.”

The scheme is being backed by Tynedale Community Bank, which provides a community-focused alternative to high street banking.

The bank’s founder, Lauren Langton, said: “It has never been so important to teach the younger generation about finances and how to manage their money wisely.”

Tynedale Community Bank has signed up four other schools in the district to the scheme: primaries at Greenhead and Henshaw, Hexham East First School, and Prudhoe’s Highfield Middle School.