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First Plastic Fiver In Britain In Circulation

A new limited edition £5 note has been launched - the first in Britain to be made from plastic as paper banknotes start to be phased out.

The note was commissioned by Clydesdale Bank and is available, initially, from its branches only.

The fiver is the first fully polymer banknote to enter circulation in Great Britain, following in the footsteps of Northern Bank of Northern Ireland, which issued a £5 polymer note to commemorate the year 2000.

The Bank of England is due to begin introducing polymer £5 and £10 notes next year .

They are designed to boost durability and combat fraud.

It is estimated that a polymer note will last 2.5 times longer than a traditional cotton paper version but it will remain vulnerable to extreme heat.

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Clydesdale said its two million notes were being launched to coincide with the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Forth Bridge.

It also features a portrait of prominent Scottish engineer Sir William Arrol, whose company oversaw the construction and other famous Scottish landmarks including the giant Titan Crane in Clydebank.

The new £5 note, which is smaller than existing notes of that denomination, has been designed by De La Rue (Other OTC: DELRF - news) .

Clydesdale is among three Scottish banks which have the power to introduce their own notes.

In terms of innovation, the bank said: "In a first for UK currency, the note will include a Spark Orbital security feature.

"This appears as shiny ink in the shape of Scotland over a transparent window which changes colour as the note is moved and tilted."

Debbie Crosbie, acting chief executive of Clydesdale, added: "Our new polymer notes are more durable and secure, which will deliver a positive impact for the public and businesses."