MILLIONS of people in the UK don't have a bank account. If you want one, you can choose between a current account or one of the new introductory or basic accounts.

With a current account, most banks offer a cheque book, overdraft facilities, direct debits and standing orders and cash machine card. To open an account you will need proof of identity like a passport, driving licence, or benefit book and proof of your address, like a gas, electric or council tax bill in your name. You can get leaflets at the Post Office about this.

However, for the people who don't want to bother with a chequebook and don't want an overdraft there are the new basic bank accounts that allow you to have your benefits paid into them, pay in cash and cheques, use a card to make withdrawals at cash machines and Post Offices and set up direct debits and standing orders.

You can sign up for a new Basic Bank Account at 17 of the main high street banks and building societies. You will need proof of identity and address.

If you don't want to use a bank and you're happy with going to the Post Office, you can choose a Post Office card account. Instead of an order book or giro, your benefit is paid into your Post Office Card Account. You get a swipe card and a PIN Number.

If you want to keep things simple, stay with the Post Office. After a while, you might decide you want a Bank Account after all.

You can get leaflets at the Post office about Post Office Card Accounts Or Ring 08457 22 33 44

To get a leaflet about Basic Bank Accounts contact The Advice Centre in Blackburn (01254 583350) or Darwen (01254 222101) and ask for the leaflet "No bank account?" Or Contact the Financial Services Authority at www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer

If you have difficulty opening a Basic Bank Account or Post Office Card Account contact Kevin Cutts at: Darwen Advice Centre, Darwen Town Hall 01254 222101 or kevin.cutts@blackburn.gov.uk