LONDON (AP) — Britain's new 5-pound note, which is due to enter circulation next week, is printed on plastic, meaning you can safely spend it on beaches or forget it in the washer.

Featuring the image of World War II leader Winston Churchill, the new polymer notes promise to be more efficient than paper, as well as more water resistant. They can safely stand up to blood, toil, tears and sweat.

Bank of England staff demonstrated the new banknote's resilience Tuesday dunking it in a pitcher of water repeatedly.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney unveiled the full new design of the note at Churchill's birthplace in Oxfordshire earlier this year and a campaign has been rolled out to give the new note top billing.

The current note features prison reformer Elizabeth Fry.