PUPILS in primary schools across the Borders are quids in after a few lessons in spending from financial experts.

Amanda Baitup from the Royal Bank of Scotland has been spearheading the MoneySense programme in recent weeks.

And the regional community banker has been joined by other cash-savvy businesswomen to discuss the ups and downs of budgeting.

Amanda told the Border Telegraph: “It’s never too early to start learning about how to manage money and understand how to stay safe from fraud or scams.

"The pupils all took part in the lesson enthusiastically and I hope they will now enjoy putting into practice what they have learned.

"I look forward to working with Developing Young Workforce delivering more sessions across the Borders.”

Imogen Beard from Developing Young Workforce co-hosted the sessions in Lauder and Ancrum.

The P7s in Lauder were tasked with becoming crime investigators to identify potential fraud.

And in Ancrum pupils were asked to consider the difference between 'needs and wants' as well as some party-planning and calculating the cost of keeping a dog.

Imogen said: "These were very worthwhile and interesting sessions, teaching pupils life long skills in a fun and engaging way."

MoneySense is one of the UK’s leading impartial and free financial education resources.

It is designed to help young people aged from five to 18 find a better financial future.

It has been running for more than 22 years and helped 4.5 million young people learn about money.

Denholm Primary pupils investigated ways to save money whilst planning a party.

And Michelle Hadwin, Post Mistress from Jedburgh Post Office helped with classes in her local Howdenburn Primary on budgeting and planning a party, as well as explaining her role in the Post Office and the banking facilities available.

Stewart Brown, depute headteacher at Howdenburn, added: “It was great to have Amanda visit our school during our recent numeracy week.

"The MoneySense sessions gave our pupils the opportunity to apply their numeracy and maths learning to meaningful, real-life contexts.

"Our learners were deeply engaged and have spoken very positively about their experiences since. We hope that by engaging them in money management at this young age that it will benefit them for years to come.

"A big thank you to everyone involved from all at Howdenburn."