between the two.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment for bruising and bleeding to her face, after the incident at the Bank of Bermuda, Front Street at about 12.30 p.m. on Thursday.

According to a Police report, the suspect became involved in an argument with the teller who then allegedly struck her in the face.

Security staff intervened immediately and a 23 year old Sandys man was arrested.

A Bank of Bermuda spokesman said: "The safety of our staff is of paramount importance and any incident where they are put at risk is taken seriously. We already have security personnel in all our branches who are trained to deal with such incidents.

"In this case they immediately intervened to defuse the situation before the Police were called. "As a precaution, the staff member was taken to hospital and appropriate support offered.'' SPREADING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT CLB Spreading the Christmas spirit St. George's Foundation members will don period costume and spread Christmas cheer at its annual holiday season walk in the East End this Friday, December 1.

The St. George's Christmas Walk, which is organised by the Bermuda National Trust, will take place between 6.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Seventeenth-century style refreshments will be served at the Carriage House Museum on Water Street thanks to the Wilkinson Trust and 2001 calendars will be on sale in a bid to raise funds for the group.

Foundation deputy chairman David Rowntree said: "One of our goals is to bring the history of St. George's to life and help people gain a greater appreciation of the rich history the Town offers.

"Evenings such as this, and the activities involved in the first-ever St.

George's Christmas Festival, are important to showcase the many ways in which St. George's is a unique place to visit, fun for all the family, and a great place to shop or enjoy a meal, especially at Christmas time with the lights and decorations all around the Town.'' And the East End will host a Christmas Crafts and Family Fun Day on December 2 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The first ever St. George's Christmas Festival will be held in the Town and will feature an art fair, children's activities. a walking tour and a ducking reenactment.

The St. George's Foundation is coordinating the event with local organisations and businesses and its executive director Louise Anfossi said: "We've got a terrific day of activities for all the family -- loads of gift ideas for Christmas shopping, special events and attractions, in-store retail promotions and our weekly Prize Draw entries with purchases or lunch over $20 in participating stores.

"Plus St. George's has free parking, lots of fabulous restaurants, and this year's Christmas lights will make the Town more magical than ever.'' Full details of all events, including special shopping promotions, is available from the Visitors Service Bureau in St. George's.

DRINK-DRVING CHARGE DENIED CTS Drink-driving charge denied Former Mid-Ocean News sports editor Dexter Smith denied charges of drink driving in Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King adjourned the proceedings for trial. Mr.

Smith, 39, of Radnor Road, Hamilton parish was pulled over November 11 and detained.

His trial is scheduled for February 13, 2001.