£3 million already saved for Christmas 2010

With 339 shopping days until Christmas, Yorkshire's members have already saved over £3m in the Society's Christmas Saver account which pays a fixed interest rate of 3.50% gross/AER.

Launched earlier this month with the aim of helping people spread the cost of 2010's festive season, those savers hoping to open a Christmas Saver account are urged to do so quickly as the account is due to be withdrawn from sale close of business on Saturday 30th January. 

Savers can put away up to £1,200 throughout the year, until the account matures at the end of December 2010. The branch-based and postal account allows savers to make regular monthly savings to build up a fund which they can access throughout December - just when it's needed.

Sarah Lawrence, Senior Product Manager for Savings at Yorkshire Building Society said: "It's great news that people are already getting into the savings habit for Christmas 2010. Whilst I'm sure next Christmas is the last thing on many people's minds, there's no better time than the present to start saving. A small amount put away each month from now will help ease the financial burden during next year's festivities.  With the new Christmas Saver account our savers can be assured that their money will be working hard throughout the year until it's time to hit the shops."

Members who open the Christmas Saver will find it a flexible account, designed to make saving for the festive season simple and hassle free:

You can open your account with as little as £10

You can invest up to £1,200 in the year as and when you choose to

There is no minimum monthly investment required and no penalty for months when you choose not to save

You can choose to make as many payments in as you like, providing you do not exceed the maximum total amount of £1,200

Payments by cash, cheque or standing order are accepted

Instant access to your money from 1st December 2010

A Barnsley Building Society version of this product is available through Barnsley branches and by post with the same interest rate and similar terms.