LOAN sharks won’t have much luck targeting pupils from Milford Haven School.

Last week the youngsters received a valuable lesson in financial literacy, courtesy of the Cardiff-based Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit (WIMLU), which is launching teaching packs highlighting the dangers of illegal money lenders in schools across Wales.

Jeff Thomas, head of Maths and assistant head, said pupils needed to learn how to look after and manage their money before they leave school.

“It’s becoming far more evident that children need to be more financially aware, in order to avoid money-related pitfalls later in life,” Mr Thomas explained. “After this presentation on loan sharks, we will develop the theme further within the school.”

The fun, interactive presentation – delivered by Fair Trading Officer Steve Langdon - involved talking the pupils through a real-life scenario illustrating how loan sharks work and how people could become involved with them. The children worked in small teams to answer questions, play games and compete to achieve the highest score.

Chrissie Sumner and Ryan Evans, Client Liaison Officers from WIMLU, look after the victims of loan sharks and are helping to launch the teaching packs.

The packs are paid for with funds raised by prosecuting these criminals, and contain lesson plans, a DVD and creative learning resources.

“When a case comes in, an investigation takes place. We are there to make sure any victim we come across during the investigation don’t go back to using loan sharks,” Ryan explained. “We support these victims, and help them pick up the pieces and sort their finances out, legally.”

“Anyone who is a victim of a loan shark can call our 24-hour hotline, 0300 123 3311. Callers can remain anonymous and don’t need to go to court.”

Pupil Alice Wonnacott, 12, enjoyed the presentation.

“It was quite fun to learn about it, so that in the future we know not to make the same mistakes,” she said.

Her classmate, Evan Price, said it had been “great”.

“As well as teaching us serious things it was funny at the same time,” he added. “I’ve learnt quite a lot today.”