A new feature has been added to Norwich Union's Portfolio investment bond .

From January 30th, investments will be protected from falls in the stock market as well as against inflation. This inflation-protected guarantee comes at no extra cost to the investor .

Those who keep their investment in the Norwich Union Portfolio investment bond for at least five years are guaranteed to get their initial investment back. Inflation will be added to the investment at the end of the term.

This new feature demonstrates Norwich Union's commitment to with-profits and we know of no other provider who offers a guarantee like this, comments the commercial and marketing director at Norwich Union, Mike Kirsch.

Mr Kirsch adds that the guarantee would appeal to those hoping to make an investment, as they would be able to benefit from growth in with-profit funds without risking the initial value of their investment.

All new investments in the Norwich Union Portfolio will also qualify for a bonus of one per cent.

Norwich Union is an Aviva company. Aviva is the world's fifth-largest insurance group and the biggest in the UK.

It is one of the leading providers of life and pensions products in Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world.

Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, including car insurance, motorcycle insurance and van insurance .