Challenger bank Kent Reliance has expanded with a larger office in the County Town.

The Chatham-based lender has opened a branch in 5-6 High Street in Maidstone, a short distance down the road from its previous home.

The relocation is part of a wider programme of investment into its branch network, at a time when other high street banks are closing sites.

Lloyds and NatWest have both announced wide ranging closures in recent weeks.

Andy Golding, chief executive at OneSavings Bank, which owns Kent Reliance, said: “The opening of our new Maidstone branch is an achievement we can be proud of.

“Investing in improved facilities means we can provide a better service for our customers and an improved working environment for our staff.

“Heritage is extremely important to Kent Reliance so it’s very gratifying that we were able to breathe new life into one of Maidstone’s historic listed buildings, which had been empty for some time, whilst maintaining its character.”