EBENEEZER Scrooge would have been proud of Preston folk.

In a recent survey, they're close to the top of the savers' league when it comes to stashing hard-earned wages.

Shopping 'til they drop is scarce, while Prestonians are careful not to go overboard on a night out.

One in six of those questioned said they would bank their bread if they had an extra £20 a month.

And the survey also revealed that women are far less likely to save for a rainy day than their male counterparts.

The national study, conducted by Manweb and Direct Debit, showed that 86 per cent of Preston residents interviewed budgeted carefully, to ensure they had the resources to pay regular bills. And 74 per cent knew exactly how much money was in their account.

A spokeswoman for NatWest Bank's Preston branch said: "This would appear to be the case. We have seen the number of checks made on personal balances increase for the fourth successive month."

Just 21 per cent of the thrifty folk interviewed said their bills were higher than expected. Four out of five said they will not become overdrawn through coughing up for bills.

Direct Debit is the most popular method of paying bills in Preston with a huge 77 per cent opting for the automatic transaction.

Fergus Rose, their marketing manager commented: "There are times when we all need to keep an eye on our expenditure and save money wherever possible."

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