Phone services to bank on over festive season

Some large banks offer telephone services for customers who need them over the festive season. These include NatWest, Firstdirect, Girobank, Co-op and National & Provincial Building Society.

NatWest's Primeline offers certain customers a personal service throughout the holiday period.

Firstdirect expects many calls from customers checking up on its 365-day, 24-hour service pledge.

The Co-op has a 24-hour computer response line that gives the balance of accounts and details of the last five transactions.

National & Provincial's computer-operated telephone system will provide balances and statements, while subscribing customers may pay bills. Information about branch opening times is available on 0800 8080.

Barclays, Lloyds and TSB customers will not offer similar services. All these banks will close early on Christmas Eve and and will remain shut on bank holidays.