Primary school pupils in Barrhead have been given advice on how careful budgeting can avert money problems later in life.

Youngsters at St Mark’s Primary enjoyed a programme of financial education sessions led by staff from East Renfrewshire Council’s Money Advice and Rights Team (MART).

Staff covered a wide range of useful topics with pupils from primaries four to seven, including the differences between needs and wants, budgeting and how to make lifestyle choices depending on your income.

The children also had the chance to design a special MART piggy bank, with the winning design being recreated for them all.

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The winner was Artur Dziobek, who impressed judges with his colourful rainbow artwork.

Artur’s design was also added to pens, rulers, bookmarks and sharpeners which were then distributed to pupils throughout the school.

Councillor Danny Devlin, East Renfrewshire’s housing and maintenance services convener, is full of praise for the project.

He told the Barrhead News: “This is a fantastic initiative by MART to ensure younger generations are better equipped for their financial future.

“Having money problems leaves families and individuals suffering in all aspects of their lives, so if we can better educate children with money advice in schools, it will help to prevent potential future problems.”

Any residents in East Renfrewshire who would like confidential money advice are welcome to call the MART team on 0141 577 8420.

Alternatively, send an email to mart@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

Further information is available online at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/money.