A leading figure from the banking world rolled up his sleeves to prepare lunch for disadvantaged youngsters.

Benny Higgins, chief executive for retail banking with The Royal Bank of Scotland, was in Newcastle on Sunday to launch the bank's North-East youth project, Clued Up!

Mr Higgins prepared food for a buffet with five young people from the Fairbridge Tyne and Wear scheme.

The charity, which also has an office on Teesside, works with youngsters from the most disadvantaged areas in Britain.

The Clued Up! scheme aims to teach young people about health, nutrition and living on a budget.

Rod Clark, manager of Fairbridge, Tyne and Wear, said: "Many young people at Fairbridge live chaotic and fragmented lives, never having the chance to learn the life survival skills and acquire knowledge others take for granted.

"Clued Up! marks a step-change to the Fairbridge programme, that we hope will significantly develop the provision of independent living skills training for the most difficult to reach young people in society."

Mr Higgins said: "I am delighted that our support of Fairbridge has made this UK-wide initiative possible.

"Working with Fairbridge, we are confident that our financial backing will help young people improve their chances in life by giving them essential life skills.

"Fairbridge has an excellent track record in working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to enable them to realise their true potential."