Wales’ largest building society is celebrating 50 years of serving the local community in Maesteg from its branch in the town centre.

Principality Building Society first opened its doors on Commercial Street on September 29, 1968 – the year in which ‘Hey Jude’ was first played on the radio and the Royal Mint moved to Wales – and has been helping the local community with savings and home buying ever since.

Customers and staff were joined by Wales rugby star Aaron Shingler on Saturday to mark the occasion, celebrating with cupcakes and champagne. Staff at Principality’s Maesteg branch raised £83 through a raffle for its three nominated Welsh charities, Cancer Research Wales, homeless charity Llamau, and School of Hard Knocks which uses sport to help disadvantaged Welsh communities.

Iain Mansfield, chief operating officer for Principality, said:

“For 50 years, Principality has been building strong, loyal relationships with its Members in the local community. It’s really important for us to be able to provide a trusted, face-to-face service for our customers – a service through which they can access the advice and support needed to help them prosper.”

The building society has close to 11,000 Members across the county, and more than 500,000 across Wales and England.

Carol Howells, manager of the Maesteg branch, said: