NatWest confirmed today that it plans to close its branch in Devizes next year.

The branch, in Market Place, is among 43 NatWest branches being closed across Britain between January and March next year in the latest move to transition its banking services online.

It is advising customers to use the nearest NatWest branch in High Street, Chippenham, nearly 11 miles away.

The UK's second biggest lender said the vast majority of its retail banking services can be done digitally and it is the quicker and easier way to bank.

Six jobs are expected to be put at risk as part of the closures.

NatWest said it will contact its vulnerable customers to provide support following the announcement.

The group says it will ensure 'no one is left behind' as it faces concerns that some elderly and vulnerable customers might be worried by the closure of their local branch, particularly if they are uncomfortable or unable to use online banking.

A NatWest spokesman said: "As with many industries, most of our customers are shifting to mobile and online banking because it is faster and easier for people to manage their financial lives.

"We understand and recognise that digital solutions aren't right for everyone or every situation, and that when we close branches we have to make sure that no one is left behind.

"We take our responsibility seriously to support the people who face challenges in moving online, so we are investing to provide them with support and alternatives that work for them."

NatWest said average counter transactions had shrunk by nearly two-thirds in just two years, between January 2019 and January this year. It saw a 38 per cent rise in customers using mobile apps during the same period.

But the company stressed it has a helpline to guide customers through setting up online and mobile services, with a shorter waiting time for the over-60s.

It has also invested in its partnership with the Post Office so people can access cash and face-to-face banking services if they cannot do it digitally, the group said.

The latest closures add to the 32 announced back in February, which included 11 of its Royal Bank of Scotland branches.

The full list of 43 NatWest UK branch closures can be found here.