SIXTH-FORM students were given tips on how to look after their finances on a Smart Money course.

Nine teenagers from North Durham Academy in Stanley took part in the money management course run by housing provider Derwentside Homes.

Organisers hope that other schools in the area will take part in similar courses aimed at making young people more financially aware.

Lynn Hole, staff members at the school, said: “The initial idea for the course came from our students as many said they had no experience or real understanding of money management.

“This is a vital life skill and we are very grateful for the team at Derwentside Homes working with us on the project.”

The course covers how bank accounts work and how to use them, sources of income, understanding expenditure and budgeting.

Jordan Gralon, 17, said: “We learnt a lot from the course and I’m hoping it won’t be that long before I have a decent job and loads of money to put it all into practice.

“School isn’t just about exams, it is important that we learn about real life and the things we’ll have to manage as we get older.”