Lloyds TSB has become the second bank to launch a nationwide drive to wake up the owners of "dormant accounts".

In February, Halifax said it would try to trace more than 125,000 customers with forgotten savings accounts worth a total of more than £34m.

Now Lloyds has said it has a similar number of unused savings accounts, 120,000, but they shelter twice as much abandoned cash at £69m.

The bank has appointed specialist search agency Tracesmart to track down customers with accounts that have been inactive for 15 years or more. The average amount Lloyds hopes to return to its owner is £575.

Interestingly, Lloyds says: "Customers can also benefit from a free consultation with a Lloyds TSB adviser to discuss how to make the most of their new found windfall."

In February, the banking industry set up a one-stop website, mylostaccount.org.uk, to trace forgotten funds in 59 building societies, 42 banks and National Savings & Investments - including the Post Office savings account.

The government plans to introduce an unclaimed assets scheme in 2009, transferring all dormant account assets to a central fund which can be used to support charitable youth services and financial inclusion and capability.

However, account holders will be able to reclaim their money at any time.