MIDLAND Bank's 1,705 branches - including three in the Bolton area - now carry the HSBC name.

HSBC is the marketing name for Midland, which, subject to regulatory approval, will change its legal name to HSBC Bank plc later this year.

Branch manager Phil Hawker said: "Midland has been a familiar and respected name in Bolton for many years and I would like to reassure our customers that while our name has changed, the company, our staff and our values have not.

"Our membership of the HSBC Group sets us appart from our UK competitors and will help ensure that we are universally recognised by customers wherever we are."

It is the latest name change in a 160-year history which began with the formation of the Birmingham and Midland.

More than 100 regional banks have been absorbed since then.

It was known as the London and Midland in 1891 and the London Joint City and Midland in 1918 before becoming Midland Bank in 1923.

Midland became a member of the worldwide HSBC Group in 1992.

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