Youngsters at a Cockermouth school have been learning how to manage money with the help of a local building society.

A Maths Day, sponsored by the Cumberland Building Society, was held at Fairfield Primary School on Monday, where pupils were able to learn how the subject can be applied to real life situations.

The day was organised by maths teachers Jordan Gale and Rob Barton.

Mr Gale said: "It is important that children realise the significance of mathematics and more importantly understand how it applies to real life.

"This event placed the subject in an authentic, tangible context and brought it to life for the children who were all highly enthused from the outset.

"Pupils were extremely motivated by the activities and due to the day’s success, the school is planning subsequent events in the near future."

Youngsters enjoyed talks from Carolyn Parker, the school's business manager, who spoke about budgeting and spending, and Victoria Rose, assistant branch manager at the Workington branches of the Cumberland Building Society, who delivered a presentation on savings and mortgages.

Key stage one pupils were then tasked with setting up a business to sell different items to make a profit, while Key Stage Two children were asked to use mathematical reasoning skills to calculate if they could afford to purchase their dream home.

Mr Gale said children produced information boards to display their work and prizes were awarded to the pupils in each class who demonstrated commendable mathematical reasoning, which is now a prime focus of the mathematics curriculum.