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

The challenger bank’s latest store in Canterbury will be its third in the county, after Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

Open seven days a week, 362 days a year, the branch will have more than 2,300 safe deposit boxes to store customers’ valuables and free coin-counting machines.

It is due to open in 2 St George’s Street near Fenwick in the Whitefriars shopping centre.

Two days of “grand opening festivities” will be held when the bank opens, although a precise opening date has not been confirmed.

Retail banking managing director Iain Kirkpatrick said: “We’re delighted to be opening a store in the historic city of Canterbury.

“Making banking simple and convenient is a real priority for us and we’re thrilled to bring residents a bank that puts customers at the heart of everything it does.

“Our stores provide something new and different to the local community and it’s essential that we continue to provide the services that customers want and need.

“This means creating around 25 new careers, taking part in local activities and hosting free networking events for the whole community.”