Personal Finance: Loose Change

SKIPTON BUILDING Society is launching a five-year Protection Bond offering a fixed rate of 7.5 per cent gross until March 1999, then a rate of 7 per cent gross until January 2004. The 7 per cent rate is guaranteed as long as three-month bank-to-bank rates do not fall below 5.25 per cent, when it reverts to base rates. Call 0800 446776.

BARCLAYS BANK is launching a campaign aimed at raising at least pounds 150,000 for Save the Children. Customers will be offered up to pounds 150,000 in cash prizes.

Barclays is also offering a free set of Save the Children Christmas cards to customers who discuss their savings with a banking adviser.