A TEAM of youngsters from across the area are travelling to London to battle it out in the UK Grand Final of Bank of Scotland's Money for Life Challenge. The group of five 16 to 17-year-olds who worked with Barrhead's community radio station Pulse 98.4FM already celebrated a People's Prize accolade at last month's Scotland Final.

The national contest challenges young people to devise innovative projects in communities to help them and their peers improve their money management skills.

They beat off stiff competition from around the country by impressing the public with their 'Pounds, Pence and Common Sense' project which they set up after securing a �500 grant from the Money for Life Challenge earlier this year.

They proved their credentials as money saving experts by hosting a series of money management themed radio shows.

The group then invited expert guests onto the shows who offered invaluable tips and advice to those who are preparing to go to university.

Louise Donegan, 16, said: "I think that I have gained a lot of confidence through the Money for Life Challenge because I was put on the spot during the live shows.

"This experience helped me with my university interviews and gave me a good experience as I want a career in the media. This project also helped me to be more aware of how I need to manage my money more responsibly in many different ways. I felt really rewarded for all the hard work we put in when we got the award."

Now it's crunch time for the youngsters as they take on rival teams from England, Wales and Northern Ireland at the ceremony at BAFTA's headquarters on London's Piccadilly on Wednesday 23 May.

They will be asked to step up to the challenge by presenting their project to around 100 influential attendees.