A STUDENT found himself suspected by a building society of having forged money - even though it came from the company's own cash machine.

Chris Wharrad, 20, who is studying law at Durham University, withdrew £300 from his HSBC bank account at the cashpoint outside the Nationwide Building Society in the city's Market Place.

But when he went into the branch to transfer the £20 notes into his Nationwide account, the clerk found a suspected forged note.

Chris, a second year student in the middle of exams, was taken to the manager's office while the incident was investigated.

"They didn't say how many notes there was a problem with but said the money felt too plasticky and the metal strip through it was odd," he said.

"I had to go into the manager's office and I gave him the receipt. He left the room, which was locked behind him, while he checked it and looked at the CCTV.

"It was heart-stopping really. I'm a law student and anything like that would destroy my life.

"I have never been accused of anything before and I felt guilty even though I hadn't done anything.

"Because it was a large amount of money I bothered with a receipt. If it had been smaller I might not have."

A spokeswoman for the building society said one note aroused suspicion because it was of "poor quality" and it had been sent away to be examined.

"Staff at the Nationwide are always vigilant but there are times when it is necessary to take precautions to protect our members and their money," she said.