Swedish bank Handelsbanken is continuing its rapid expansion across Kent with the opening of its third Kent branch in a year.

The lender has opened a Chatham Maritime outlet to add to new sites in Sevenoaks and Bromley.

Staff welcomed Mayoress of Medway Josie Isles, Mayor of Swale George Bobbin and Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless for the opening on Wednesday.

The bank now has seven branches in Kent, employing 37 people, with four staff at the new Chatham location.

Branch manager Gavin Coleman said: “The branch opening event was a great success and we are very grateful for the support of everybody who attended.

“It was a pleasure to receive so much positive feedback from members of the local community who were very positive about our approach to banking.

“Direct access to the individuals who look after our customers and their ability to make the decisions that matter were areas which were regularly commented upon.

“With no targets or bonuses the team are free to do the right things for our customers and are always looking to take a long term view in regards to our customer relationships.”

Handelsbanken has more than 770 branches in 24 countries.