Metro Bank will open a new branch in Ashford later this year, creating 25 jobs.

The empty Clintons cards building at the entrance to the County Square shopping centre will become home of the lender, which already has locations in Canterbury, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

The bank, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2016, will open seven days a week.

Card shop bosses rebranded the store as Simply Clintons in 2014, but it closed in July last year.

Metro Bank spokesman Tele Lawal said: "We are expanding in Kent and opening another seven-day-a-week, customer-focussed store in the heart of Ashford later this year.

"We are investing in our high street presence and creating around 25 new jobs in the process.

"Our stores provide tangible benefits to the local community, whether that is through our free-to-use coin counters for customers and non-customers alike, instant account opening with cards printed right there on the spot, safe deposit box facilities or hosting business networking and community events."

It is not yet known exactly when the bank will open.