PUPILS at a Kidderminster primary school have been trying their hand at running a school bank.

Year five children at St George’s CE Primary School were visited by staff from HSBC who gave them the opportunity to apply for jobs from cashier to bank manager.

The prospective employees attended an interview with branch manager of HSBC in Halesowen, Matt Ridler and maths co-ordinator Jayne Edwards before being given training.

During the build up to the launch, the new recruits were busy with a marketing programme which included making posters, leaflets and talking to children in years three to six during assemblies, under the direction of the year five marketing manager.

The launch on Friday, was attended by Mr Ridler and staff from HSBC in Kidderminster, branch manager Ian Hurst and customer service officers Angela Sadler and Jasmine Horton.

Since the official opening, fellow students have been able to open their own account and save as much or as little as they like on a fortnightly basis.

Staff at the school hope this will encourage children to save and have an understanding of how to manage their money.

Miss Edwards said: “The school bank gives the school an alternative way of delivering the Every Child Matters agenda, in particular the outcomes of making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being.

“It gives them an opportunity to be engaged in decision-making, developing positive relationships, to develop self confidence and successfully deal with challenges.”