STROUD and Swindon building society has marked the opening of the newly refurbished Highworth branch with a party for customers and staff.

The refit, which took two months to finish, has involved a new colour scheme, redecorated interview rooms, and a customer services desk introduced. There are now financial and mortgage advisors available full-time. Branch manager Wendy Butterworth said: "We hope our customers enjoy visiting our new-look branch, we're really impressed with how much more spacious and bright it feels." Stroud and Swindon is the 15th largest of the 63 building societies in the country.

It has 22 branches and 24 agencies in the south west and South Wales.