Banks and building societies have given away hundreds of thousands of piggy banks over the years, but one lender in particular took the form forward and created a market for its very own pigs.

In 1982, National Westminster decided to launch Woody, the youngest of a family of piggy banks for young savers, with other relatives becoming available as your savings balance soared.

The famous clan started off as a simple marketing tool but their popularity fuelled astonishing demand. Within three years, manufacturer Wade Ceramics had produced its millionth pig for the bank.

A deposit of five pounds earned the young saver Woody, the baby pig, says Jenny Wright, Wades collectables manager.

Older members of the family could be collected by saving a further £25 every six months.

It was some family too. After Woody came Gerald, Maxwell (named after the late media tycoon, Robert), Annabel and parents Lady Hilary and Sir Nathaniel.

Although NatWest stopped this particular promotion in 1988, another family member stepped into the breach: Cousin Wesley. To earn him, you had to open a childrens bond in which £1,000 was invested over five years. But the new piggy bank didnt enjoy the same popularity as Woody and his family, and only 5,000 were produced.