Mark Mangion of Swieqi has won a weekend break in Gozo, having become the 10,000th HSBC customer to register on HSBC's Internet Banking service.

Ronald Ellul, manager, Direct Banking Centre at HSBC Bank Malta plc, presented Mr Mangion with his prize.

"HSBC's Internet banking service has been very well received by customers and the number of registrations, which to date have reached 11,800, is a clear indication of this," Mr Ellul said.

"It is worth pointing out that this number has been reached in the two months since the service was launched. HSBC decided to give a weekend break in Gozo to the 10,000th customer who registered on the Internet banking service as a thank-you for the support which this service has received. Mr Mangion was that lucky customer."

To make use of HSBC's Internet banking service, all HSBC customers need to do is access the bank's Website www.hsbc.com.mt and register on-line using either their Quikcash Card or their PhoneBanking Card. Customers do not even need to call at an HSBC branch.

Once this simple on-line registration is concluded, customers can benefit from the wide range of services available, such as viewing online balances and transaction details for accounts and credit cards, inter-account transfers, bill payments and overseas third-party transfers, among others.

Unique to HSBC's Internet banking service is the ability to open new savings, fixed and current accounts online. HSBC's Internet banking service is also accessible to visually impaired customers

The service, which is currently free of charge to all HSBC account holders, is highly secure, using 128-bit SSL encryption to ensure maximum confidentiality and security.

"We have received several letters and calls from delighted users praising the ease of use and functionality of the service," Mr Ellul said. Comments we received from our customers inched 'Easy to use and convenient. Well done.' and 'With Internet banking I am saving a lot of time. Thanks, HSBC."