loose change

Bristol & West is launching a new range of mortgages, including a four-year fixed rate charging 7.19 per cent until August 2001. There is also a fixed-rate of 4.99 per cent for first-time buyers, which includes a 1 per cent cashback. Call 0800 119955.

Northern Rock is offering the same 7.19 per cent rate, fixed for five years, plus a range of other benefits. Call 0800 591500.

Churchill, the telephone insurer, is launching travel cover for the first time, including a 5 per cent no-claims bonus after one year and 10 per cent after two years. There is no excess if both car and home contents cover are also taken out with Churchill. Call 0800 0264050.

Sun Alliance is offering a 6 per cent discount (no initial charge) on investments into its Portfolio Trust, a fund-of-funds. A 0.9 per cent bid/offer spread will apply. Annual charges average 1.5 per cent. Call 0500 100333.

GE Financial is launching a Bespoke Guaranteed Bond, which allows a choice of any investment period between three months and seven years. Net returns for 40 per cent taxpayers are 5 per cent on a pounds 100,00 investment. The minimum investment is pounds 50,000. Call 0181 380 3388.

Portman Building Society has increased the rates paid to savers through its Channel Islands offshore account. The account, a one-year fixed-interest bond, pays 7.1 per cent gross on savings of pounds 500. Call 01481 822747.