Professional skateboarder and Wareham native Brandon Westgate stopped by Plymouth County Teachers Federal Credit Union Friday to sign autographs in celebration of National Credit Union Youth Week.

National Credit Union Youth Week is an annual event which aims to help youth realize the importance of saving money.

"It was great this year to have Brandon here," said Pam Burns, marketing administrator for the credit union.

Westgate, 22, has been skateboarding for more than a decade, appearing in magazine photo spreads and numerous videos. He's also a member of the credit union.

"They're really cool here," Westgate said before signing and giving away a skateboard.

Westgate shared skateboarding tips with guests. For people interested in beginning to skateboard, "try to have fun with it," he advised. And of course, practice!

This year's youth week theme was "Money rocks at my credit union." Attendees could rock out with the Guitar Hero video game at the event and learn some money-saving tips. The credit union offered youth a chance to participate in the "Rock your $avings challenge." If youth members make a deposit into their savings account every week for one year, they will win a cash prize.

The event also featured free hot dogs and chowder and goodies for children, like a chance to pick a toy out of a treasure chest and a coloring contest.

Connie Shea and four-year-old C.J. of Carver stopped by to complete an errand and left with an autograph from Westgate and fun noisemaker.

"It was a surprise," Shea said with a smile.