A banking giant has announced it is to close two of its branches in Cumbria.

HSBC will be shutting its branch in Kingstown Road, Carlisle, on Friday, May 26.

The branch in Keswick's Market Square will also close on the same day.

The firm, which says its branch in Carlisle city centre will not be affected, claim the closures reflect a "change in the way local customers are banking" as well as an increase in its investment in digital banking.

The decision is part of a wider HSBC announcement to close 62 branches by the end of this year.

Francesca McDonagh, head of retail banking and wealth management for UK and Europe, said: “The way our customers bank with us is changing.

"More customers are using mobile and internet banking than ever before, innovation such as touch and voice ID has proved extremely popular, and fewer people are using branches.

"More than 90 per cent of our interactions with customers are now through our digital channels – an increase from 80 per cent last year.

"The decision to close these branches ensures a more sustainable branch network for the future as we continue to invest in our digital platforms and our people.

"We will have fewer but better branches, with more empowered front line colleagues using a greater range of technology to support all our customers' needs.

"Our priority now is to work with our colleagues, our customers and the communities impacted by the announcement.

"We are contacting customers to explain the decision and help them with alternative ways to bank with us. We will offer customers individual sessions to help explain their options or provide help in setting up telephone, mobile or internet banking."

Customers in that area of the city will be able to use the Kingstown Post Office, Kingstown Road, to carry out day-to-day banking services.