Have you got your hands on a new five pound note?

And if they've made their way into Rotherham, we want to know!

The plastic notes cost around 7p each to print but they are said to be more secure and durable than their paper ancestors.

They are resilient to dirt and moisture, meaning they are cleaner to handle too.

As a result of their longer life expectancy, the environmental impact is reduced, with experts claiming the new notes should last two-and-a-half times longer.

There's also several new security features, making them much tougher to counterfeit, including a see through window featuring the Queen's portrait and a hologram of the word five which changes to pounds when tilted.

THE NEW NOTE

Bank of England governor Mark Carney said: "These notes will stand the test of time. 

“Polymer marks a major innovation - it’s cleaner, safer and stronger.”

The old paper style £5 note can be used until May 2017, but will gradually be withdrawn from circulation.

Any old notes will have to be exchanged for new ones at the bank before the cut-off date, when they will no longer be regarded as legal tender.

Have you got your hands on a new £5 note yet? If so, let us know what you think by commenting on this story below, or on Facebook and Twitter.