Get a real bonus.

SAVING is so important - and never more so than now.

The past 12 months have been remarkable.

Britain has seen the worst stock market conditions in 70 years. Meanwhile, interest rates in the UK were cut to 0.5% in March 2009 - the lowest level in the history of the Bank of England, which dates back to 1694.

This has resulted in significant economic uncertainty, and more and more people are realising the importance of saving.

We all need to plan ahead to make sure we have a secure future for ourselves and our families. That's why it's absolutely vital for people to get into the habit of saving.

It's often about planning for the unexpected so that we're prepared for those sudden mishaps in life.

A job loss, illness, possibly urgent home improvements or repairs, for example.

Saving is all about planning for the unexpected.

But that doesn't just mean saving up for a rainy day. Saving is also about the good things in life.

For instance, with increasing numbers of young people going on to higher education, they often have to call upon the financial support of parents - and grandparents - during their time at university and college.

Weddings We all want what's best for our children and grandchildren, but this costs money.

There may be weddings, too, to pay for - or a deposit for a first home.

Of course, it's one thing to advise people to save, but where do they find the best deal? Also ask yourself: is your money working hard enough for you at the moment? A recent survey from Investec Private Bank revealed that some 36% of people with savings had no idea what interest rate they were being paid on their savings account.

Not surprisingly perhaps, people over 65 tend to be the most aware when it comes to knowing the exact amount of interest their savings are earning.

That's because they often rely on savings to provide income in retirement.

But whatever your age or stage in life, expert advice can make all the difference in helping you get the most from your savings. This has never been more so than now.

The West Bromwich Building Society believes in offering helpful, expert one-to-one advice and offering attractive savings rates to meet the needs of savers.

And as the building society of Birmingham and the Black Country, attractive rates to local savers are important.

Now they have another great deal on offer if you call into any branch of the West Brom and ask for details.

pounds 1,000 worth of savings to be won

HOW would you like to kickstart your savings by winning an account with pounds 250 already in it? We've teamed up with West Bromwich Building Society to give Sunday Mercury readers the chance to win one of four Branch Bonus (Issue 2) Accounts, complete with an opening balance of pounds 250.

Today sees your third chance to be a winner! Simply answer the question which appears on the entry form and either post or e-mail your answer to us by 9am on Monday October 26, 2009.

Winners will be selected at random. (There will be another chance to enter next Sunday. Don't miss your Sunday Mercury).

BY POST: Fill in the entry form that appears on this. page and send it to the address shown.

By E-MAIL: E-mail your entry to [e-mail]. using the words 'West Brom 3' as your subject line. Please include your name, full address, contact phone number and state your nearest West Bromwich Building Society Branch.

Prizewinners must be UK residents and provide identification in order to collect their prize. Full details of acceptable forms of identification can be found at www.westbrom.co.uk/static/ID_list.pdf.

For full terms and conditions, see www.sundaymercury.net/competitions.