Darlington Building Society held a special cocktail party at its flagship branch at Tubwell Row, to re-establish professional relationships following the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Dorothy Long, joined more than 100 invited guests.
The opportunity was also taken to the society's eagerly awaited mortgage sale which starts on Monday.
William Baker Baker, chairman of the society, said: "Darlington Building society has benefited from an excellent year in 2000 and all the signs indicate that 2001 will be even better one for us."
He added: "I am delighted to welcome so many members of the business community to this event and I would like to thank you all for your support over the past 12 months, and look forward to your continued support in the years to come.
"Darlington Building Society is dedicated to looking after local interests and it is only through the support of local people and business that the society is able to thrive to the benefit of the community as a whole.
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