A FORMER world class racing champion was among those to congratulate Penketh High School for scooping a finance education award.

Formula One legend, Sir Jackie Stewart, applauded the school and encouraged young people to get to grips with money early in life at the Royal Bank of Scotland Personal Finance Education Awards for Schools ceremony, held at the Globe Theatre in London last week.

Penketh High teachers Helen Phillips and Christine Myers won the award for Most Innovative use of Technology Resources in Personal Finance Education, claiming £1,500 prize money for the school.

The business department teachers took part in making a film about credit and debit and responsible spending to be shown in assemblies.

It featured interviews with pupils from the school talking about where their money comes from and how they spend it.

The RBS introduced the awards in recognition of the growing importance of personal finance education in schools, highlighting the importance of young people learning how to understand and manage their finances at an early age.

In his speech at the ceremony Sir Stewart, global ambassador for the RBS, said: “I’ve overcome many challenges in my life so far and one key one is understanding how to manage your money.

“The RBS Awards are acknowledging the schools and teachers who are making a real effort to equip their students with crucial money management skills they will use all through their life.”