Students from four west Suffolk secondary schools were handed a rare opportunity to quiz the Bank of England’s deputy governor last week.

Everything from Brexit to bitcoins was on the agenda as Sir David Ramsden visited Newmarket Academy on Friday.

Year 11 and sixth form students from Newmarket, Samuel Ward and Castle Manor academies in Haverhill and Thomas Gainsborough School in Great Cornard joined together to hear a talk from Sir David and then took part in a question-and-answer session.

Nick Froy, headteacher of Newmarket Academy, said: “This was a great opportunity for our students to hear from one of the senior leaders at the Bank of England and then ask him some very informative and engaging questions.

“We were delighted to join forces with other secondary schools within the Samuel Ward Academy Trust.”

Sir David said: “It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to come to Newmarket Academy and speak to students.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended from across the Samuel Ward Academy Trust schools.”

Steve Elsom, regional director at Lloyds Commercial Banking, who facilitated the visit, said: “The visit allowed young students to learn about how the Bank of England works and to get a fascinating insight from Sir David.

“The students had clearly done their homework and asked some excellent questions about the role of the Bank of England and the challenges it faces.”