The Co-operative Bank has apologised to customers unable to get their hands on their cash this morning because of computer problems.

The Reg was contacted by several unsmiling customers unable to get onto the website or withdraw money from cashpoints this morning. Phone banking was also suffering.

We received the following statement from The Co-op - owners of Smile.co.uk:

Earlier today the bank's mainframe was temporarily unavailable between approximately 8am and midday.

While customers could continue to withdraw money from their accounts via cash machines, it did unfortunately restrict access to other transactions via telephone banking and the internet such as making transfers.

This has now been completely rectified. We would like to apologise to anyone inconvenienced as a result and assure all customers that there has been no security risk whatsoever to their accounts.

Good news all round then. Any Co-op customers still having trouble, please get in touch via the usual address. ®