A BANK has invested in Bishop Auckland after refurbishing its high street branch.

Santander booked the trend in the town's ailing Newgate Street which has seen several shops close in recent years.

However, it was smiles as round as staff welcomed customers into the branch on Wednesday after a two-month closure to carry out the work.

The bank's colours of red and white became a theme throughout the new open-plan branch and were offered refreshments including red and white cupcakes.

Charities and organisations associated with the store, including the Auckland Project and the bank's chosen charity of the year Age UK, were also present along with officers from Durham Constabulary, who were on hand to offer advice about cyber crime.

The branch was officially opened by Bishop Auckland mayor, Councillor Adam Zair.

He said: "It gives me great pleasure to come and cut the ribbon. It's not every day we get to do this, and not every day you hear there's massive investment being made in banking.

"Santander are investing in the local community."

The new branch has still kept its traditional services but has become a smart branch in that customers can now use their intelligent cash machines - where they can deposit cheques as well as cash.

Meanwhile, digital booths mean customers can open bank accounts without having to have a traditional appointment and staff can also use them to give demonstrations to customers on topics such as online banking tools.

The cash desk has remained but will now be solely for that purpose.

Branch manager, Claire Greener-Tobin, said the changes would make banking easier for customers and she was delighted with the hard work of her entire team during the refurbishment.

She said: "At Santander our aim is simple, personal, fair - we simply want to help local people and businesses prosper."

She added: "I am really proud to lead the Bishop Auckland team in our new branch. It gives our customers the personal service of traditional banks but the opportunity to bank on their own terms with the new atms and digital booths - banking doesn't have to be nine to five.

"My vision for our branch is to help local people, businesses and community prosper."