What would you do to earn £1.50 a week? In Bradford many children earn their pocket money by doing household chores, like washing dishes and cleaning their rooms. But a new survey has revealed that youngsters' hard-earned cash is likely to end up in a piggy bank with canny children holding on to their money for a rainy day. T&A reporter Olufunmi Majekodunmi looks at the results of the study into children's incomes and habits and sees if it holds true at one Bradford school.

CAUTION IS the by-word for most youngsters who prefer to keep hold of their cash for more ambitious purchases rather than fritter it away on smaller items.

The poll, conducted by banking giants Halifax, revealed the trends in lifestyle and income habits of nine-year-old children.

Approximately seven out of ten youngsters save all or part of their cash to buy computer games, clothes and toys.

But the most popular item to spend their cash on was sweets (37 per cent).

More than a quarter of youngsters surveyed spent their money on books and magazines.

The survey also revealed that the average amount of pocket money given to youngsters living in the north is £1.65 - 11p less than the national average.

Girls lead the way in the pocket money stakes: nationally, they receive £1.81, compared to £1.65 for the boys.

But it's not just easy money - about half of six-year-olds surveyed have to earn their cash by doing household chores.

A spokesman for the Halifax Bank said: "Children appear to be smarter than ever at realising the value of money from an early age, having a clear goal and determination to save for the future."

So how do Bradford youngsters spend their pocket money? The Telegraph & Argus spoke to five youngsters at Lidget Green First School, in Birks Fold, who revealed how much they receive and how they spend their cash.

Eight-year-old Sabrina Yaqoob is given £1 a month and has used her savings to buy presents for her family.

"I have to do chores around the home and have to tidy up my bedroom."

Daniel Smith, six, receives £1 a week from his parents. "My grandparents also give me a £1. I like to spend my money on sweets."

Sweet-toothed Katie Firman said: "I get £2.50 from my parents each week. I also get £1 from my grandparents when they see me. I spend a lot of my money on sweets but I save my money as well," said the eight-year-old.

Jordan Dobrodamow, eight, receives £2 a week.

"I use it to buy things for my mum such as milk, anything she wants."

Samantha Milne, eight, said: "My parents give me £3.50 a week, but I do tidy up my bedroom and wash up. Also my grandparents give me 50p every two weeks."

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