BOLTON'S newest bank has opened for business - inside a Farnworth secondary school. The banking venture at St James's CE School on Lucas Road is being run by pupils for pupils. With the help of Barclays, all youngsters aged 11-16 at the school are being offered the chance to be customers. Each one opening an account receives a £5 voucher.

Year 10 pupils are taking responsibility for the day to day running of James's Bank, overseen by Joanne Chamberlain of Barclays.

She said: "The pupils have displayed excellent skills in information technology and interpersonal relationships, both essential in the modern world of banking."

Headteacher David Bowes said: "We are delighted that Barclays have asked St James's to trial secondary school banking. The real world of finance and money management matters to everyone.

"As a concerned school we wish to offer every opportunity to our pupils to develop a mature and responsible attitude towards their finances."

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