The heads of the two major building societies have been given the top two positions with the Building Societies Association (BSA).

Bradford-based Yorkshire Building Society's chief executive Iain Cornish has been appointed chairman of the BSA, while John Goodfellow, chief executive of Skipton Building Society, will take on the role of deputy chairman.

The BSA is the official trade body for the industry and represents all 60 UK building societies.

Mr Cornish said: "There has never been a greater need or desire on the part of consumers for advice and financial products from a source they feel they can genuinely trust.

"Building societies have a tremendous opportunity to meet this demand and build on their unique position in the marketplace.

"I am privileged to have the opportunity to represent societies large and small who are doing great things for their members."

Mr Cornish has been chief executive at YBS since 2003 after holding a variety of key roles in marketing, product development and corporate affairs.

Mr Goodfellow has formerly held the role of chairman of the BSA.

He has been at SBS since 1991 and also holds the role of chairman of the school governors board at Skipton Girls' High School and is a trustee of the Skipton Mechanics Institute.