Nationwide chief executive Philip Williamson led from the front as he took calls from members on aspects of the Swindon-based building society.

He was taking part in the firm's highly successful member TalkBack programmes, which are held throughout the country, providing members with an informal opportunity for discussion and debate with directors and senior management.

"This is another opportunity for our members to have their say in the running of the Society," said Mr Williamson. "Over the past five years, our directors have been listening to our members' views at Member TalkBack events and a number of policy, service and product developments have their origins in these meetings.

"We are delighted to now extend the same opportunity to the increasing number of members who do business with us online."

The first online member TalkBack (web chat) event took place on Tuesday, with Mr Williamson answering the questions.