Debt lessons to beat loan sharks

A groundbreaking scheme aimed at preventing youngsters taking on crippling debt is being extended to more schools in Northumberland.

Debtcred, a national drive to tackle the dangers of borrowing, has already been piloted at Ashington High School.

Organisers say debt is a massive problem and it is important to show teenagers how to live within their means when they leave school.

Sessions are being held at three more schools in the county on Friday.

'Desperate measures'

The initiative has been supported by Barclays Bank.

Northumberland community safety coordinator Stuart Douglass said: "One of the problems is that people don't realise the extent of their spending until they are already way out of their depth.

"This has led some young people to desperate measures, like loan sharks or illegal activities.

"We have had a great deal of interest from schools across the county and will be training key agencies who work with people so that the initiative can roll out across the county."

Sessions have been held at schools in Amble, Alnwick and Blyth, with more taking place on Friday at St Benet Biscop RC High in Bedlington, Ashington Community High and the Duchess's Community High in Alnwick.