Barclays is to open a branch seven days a week inside a Kent supermarket as part of a trial to provide a more flexible service.

Four branches in the UK are closing and being moved to their nearest Asda store as part of the scheme, including one in Broadstairs.

It means customers in east Kent will be able to access everyday banking services from 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.

Head of Barclays retail and business bank Steve Cooper said: "We've spoken to our customers who use our everyday and business banking services in our branches and they've told us their time is precious so would benefit from being able to multi-task, park easily and visit branches with longer opening hours.

"This partnership with Asda means they can do their food shop and bank at the same time, with the opportunity for a new flexible banking experience in a way that’s most convenient for our customers."

Under the scheme, Barclays staff will be on hand during traditional opening hours.

Outside of these hours, customers will be able to use technology on site for regular transactions such as paying in cash and cheques, paying bills, withdrawing and transferring money.

Asda executive director Karen Hubbard said: "This is the next step in the evolution of how we continue to make our stores relevant to our customers' everyday needs, giving them access to banking services to use at their convenience – when they want, and how they want it.

"Access to banking services is an under-rated but important asset to any community but in many areas, these services just aren't available to families. In partnership with Barclays, we’ll trial banking services in our stores for the communities which need it the most.”"

If the pilot is successful, Barclays aims to extend the scheme to eight branches by early next year.