Four groups of students from Lowestoft College on taking on a national challenge.

Students on the college's Level 2 Business Skills course have each been granted £200 to run their own project as part of the national Money for Life challenge.

With the national competition providing grants for 16 to 24-year-olds to run a project to improve money management skills in their communities, the students have been organising and running their own campaigns.

They have been exploring ways to reduce household bills while demonstrating their teamwork, money management and organisational abilities.

Their networking and communication skills have also been put to the test, as they have been engaging with nearby schools and students and staff within the college whilst also working alongside outside businesses.

Each group is focusing on a different area where money can be saved. These are: 'Food for thought', 'be wise and energise', 'twice as nice for a cheaper price' and 'grow veg for success'. The students have until the end of February to run their projects.

Bev Barnshaw, business skills lecturer, said: 'This project is a fantastic way for our students to develop their teamwork and communication skills, as well as to develop their money management skills.

'They are required to come up with the ideas and to apply for a grant to run their project. It is credit to them that they achieved the grant and are currently trying to spread the money saving ideas around the local community.'