HSBC has announced it will shut two of its Kent branches this year.

The closures come as more people shift towards online and mobile banking, with the pace of the change increasing further since the start of the pandemic.

HSBC announced today it will be closing 69 branches across the UK in a move that will affect about 400 staff members.

It has been confirmed the Strood and Herne Bay banks will be closing this autumn.

Head of HSBC UK's branch network, Jackie Uhi, said: "Our branches continue to support people with their more complex banking needs, but the way we can do this has also evolved, with the addition of banking hubs, community pop-ups and continued use of the Post Office network.

"We know that the majority of our customers have a preference to do much of their day-to-day banking online or via mobile, so we're removing locations where we have another branch nearby, and where there is a significant reduction in customers using face-to-face branch servicing.

"This will enable us to invest in locations where our customers are continuing to utilise the branch network, including updating technology and refurbishing branches."

The Strood branch is set to close on September 15, while Herne Bay's will shut on October 4.

HSBC says less than 50% of its customers actively use its branch network, with the average footfall dropping more than 50% since 2017.

It is hoped staff affected will be redeployed to other roles within HSBC.