Neil Campbell, 76, told The Telegraph that he filled out an 18-page application form to open an account with the Co-operative Bank and had to answer questions including “Are you involved in the nuclear power industry?”

He was also told he had to fill out a US ‘Fatca’ tax form and provide identification and bank details for each of the twelve members of the bell ringing group.

Campbell complained that the requests were unrealistic but was rebuffed.

A Co-operative Bank spokesman said: ” Like all banks, we have increased the checks we need to do when customers apply for an account. This is because the bank must comply with UK financial sanctions requirements and money laundering regulations.”