The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced that its Cheltenham branch will be among 40 banks set to close.

RBS has confirmed the branch will close on July 5 this year.

It said that counter transactions for personal customers in Cheltenham were down by 25 per cent between 2017 and 2019. It also said that 54 per cent of Cheltenham's personal customers used either digital banking or the mobile app in 2019.

RBS said 61 business customers used the Cheltenham branch on a regular basis in 2019.

In a statement on its website, RBS said: "The way people bank with us has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services as customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank.

"Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously. We know it can affect people who are less confident with the alternatives we offer, and we'll always work hard to guide you through the changes and find the best way to serve you from now on."

Other branches earmarked for closure include Bristol and Swindon.

RBS owns Natwest, which has just announced 32 branch closures.