WORDSLEY schoolchildren have opened bank accounts and started saving their pennies at their very own branch of HSBC.

Fairhaven Primary School has joined forces with the banking giant to encourage the pupils to be responsible with their finances.

The SchoolBank, which launched on Friday (May 16), is run by two teams of students, who have been trained to act as branch manager, marketing manager, cashier and records clerk and accept deposits once a fortnight.

Deputy headteacher, Tom Garner, said: “Ensuring children have an understanding of financial responsibility from an early age is important – it’s a life skill they will all need in the future.”

Terrie Beardsmore, owner of Dunsley Hall Hotel, who officially opened the school's branch, said: “Financial responsibility is at the heart of business, so I am excited about the opportunity to be involved in teaching and encouraging children to learn these values.”