A MAJOR refurbishment at a High Street bank has uncovered archives revealing its history.

HSBC bank plc in Northallerton is undergoing a refurbishment to modernise its banking hall to provide customer service and waiting areas.

Whilst preparing for the refurbishment staff have uncovered old photographs and documents dating from when the bank first opened.

Branch manager Mr Andrew French said: "These papers have now been sent to the archivist at the bank's head office in London and it is hoped that a small exhibition can be set up within the Northallerton branch in the near future."

Banking services will be made available from a temporary branch established within the bank's office space.

This is next door to the present premises which will be closed as of tomorrow.

It is hoped the work will be completed by mid-December and all customers have been informed in writing of the changes.

"During the refurbishment period, all normal banking services will be provided with the exception of the 24-hour lobby which will mean that no cash machines will be available outside of branch opening times," added Mr French.