A major retailer has set its sights on opening a new high street branch.

Specsavers has submitted plans to turn the former HSBC bank in Tenterden High Street into an opticians.

The bank, at number 59 High Street, closed its doors permanently in January 2017 and the building was once considered as a suitable location for a cinema in the town.

Specsavers Tenterden will open in early 2020 and employ approximately 10 to 15 members of staff.

The downstairs of the former bank will contain the retail and eye examination areas, where there will also be four consulting rooms, while staff rest rooms will occupy the upper floors, with additional space set aside for potential further expansion.

Director Sanjay Patel says the Tenterden branch, which will open seven days a week, is one of a handful in Kent to offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The high tech kit provides a 3D view of the retina and displays its layers giving more detail than an MRI Scan.

The technology will be offered alongside the regular eye tests, contact lens and audiological services.

Ruth Warren is the retail director of the Tenterden branch and Sarah Syrett the ophthalmic director. Ruth and Sanjay are also directors of the Maidstone and Larkfield branches and the team say they have 70 years' industry experience between them.

The directors are looking to recruit staff members from January 2020 and interested candidates should apply to Sanjay Patel at Specsavers Opticians, 21-25 Week Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1QS, or call 01622 663111.

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden