Abbey National rise

Abbey National is increasing the rates on its Tessa account from 6.25 per cent to 6.5 per cent on savings up to £3,000 and from 6.55 per cent to 7 per cent on sums above £6,600.

Rates on its high-yield bond have also gone up from 6.35 to 6.65 per cent gross on amounts between £10,000 and £25,000 and from 6.65 to 6.9 per cent on savings up to £50,000.

Norwich and Peterborough Building Society is offering children its HeadStart Savings Bond, paying 6.05 per cent gross on balances of £250 or over. There are no penalties for withdrawals.

Northern Rock is offering 6.55 per cent gross interest paid monthly for minimum deposits of £10,000 in its Postal 60 account.

Britannia Building Society's Capital Trust account pays 5.7 per cent gross monthly on deposits above £2,000.

Skipton Building Society is offering 6.1 per cent gross on savings above £2,000 on its instant access account.