NATIONWIDE Building Society has unveiled its "new look" Bury branch following a significant refurbishment.

The office in Market Street was embraced within the Society's programme to invest £300 million in its customer outlets in order to benefit its members.

Jim Willens, Nationwide's executive director central retail operations, re-launched the Bury branch by cutting a ribbon outside the premises.

He said: "This new-look branch demonstrates Nationwide's commitment to its customers in Bury and its branch network. At a time when other financial organisations are closing branches, Nationwide is proud to be making a major investment in our Bury branch.

"Its open plan design allows a more informal atmosphere than a traditional branch, encouraging a greater degree of personal contact between our team of employees and our customers."

The branch is designed to give customers more control by enabling them to carry out most transactions themselves and Nationwide is at the forefront of self-service technology. The Bury office also has an internet banking terminal which allows the public to access Nationwide's internet bank to manage their accounts and obtain a wide range of information.