An Alliance & Leicester customer has been refused a business current account because their local Church of England rector was not suitable as a verifying person.

Known only as 'FT' from Swindon, the customer wrote to The Guardian newspaper to reveal the decision, and to ask which ministers of religion are acceptable to act as a verifying person for banks.

FT said: "I have been trying to open a business current account at Alliance & Leicester. To prove my identity, I took the bits to sign to the local Church of England rector.

"Alliance & Leicester's customer adviser wrote back that a rector was not acceptable as a verifying person. Which ministers of religion are suitable?"

Alliance & Leicester quickly admitted its mistake when the newspaper stepped in, saying it was embarrassed by the whole incident, and even offered to send a food hamper to the customer to apologise.

After speaking to representatives at the bank, The Guardian told FT: "Your letter caused great embarrassment at Alliance & Leicester, which insists that all are welcome and there is no set list of recognised religions and ministers. Someone has apologised to you profusely by phone and sent a food hamper to say sorry."