"Ernie" celebrated his 50th year in style yesterday with NS&I posting record annual investment levels.
Premium bond provider National Savings and Investments said the 2006/07 financial year saw total net investments increase by £5.5 billion to £78.9 billion.
Gross inflows for the financial year were recorded at £14.2 billion, up from just under £12 billion the year before.
Healthy saving levels were boosted by a high-profile advertising campaign headed by Sir Alan Sugar and publicity surrounding the 50th anniversary of premium bonds.
As a result of this, NS&I was also able to increase the number of people investing in its products by one million to 27 million during the financial year.
A spokeswoman for the savings provider said making more products available to consumers online had also helped NS&I reach record investment levels.
It is now set to embark on a new five-year strategy aimed at delivering "sustainable long-term value to stakeholders by simplifying, modernising and diversifying the business".
The plan aims to bring in an additional £13 billion net financing by 2011/12.
