FINANCIAL skills were under the spotlight as students learned money management at a Northwich college.

The students at Mid Cheshire College have been taking part in the Barclays Money Skills programme.

Barclays and the National Skills Academy for Financial Services have developed a week-long series of money related activities to provide students with the tools they need to stay in control of their budget.

Activities at both the Hartford and Winsford campus included taste testing inexpensive versus dearer branded goods, a money personality quiz, top money saving tips for cooking on a budget and fashion on a budget.

John Reilly, principal, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing Barclays Money Skills to Mid Cheshire College.

“It’s a great initiative that gets both our students and our teachers buzzing and provides a fantastic opportunity for us to deliver money management activities to young people at a critical point in their lives, as they are planning to move away from home or to get a job.

“This programme allows us to cover this in a way that feels relevant and real.”

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans, Desna McAll from the National Skills Academy Financial Services and Rachel Herbinson, a community business partner from Barclays, visited the campus to see how the students were enjoying the activities.

Mr Evans said: “It’s good to see young people develop the skills they need in later life to manage money effectively.”