A 'COMMUNITY banker' has been appointed to help customers affected by the closure of six branches of Natwest.

The banks in Boscombe, Canford Cliffs, Ferndown, New Milton, Westbourne and Winton have all shut their doors to customers in October.

Concerns were raised by customers at the bank over access to other branches and ease of use of online services.

But Natwest said: "The way people choose to bank with us has changed radically over the last few years.

"Between 2010 and 2015, mobile and online transactions have increased by over 400 per cent and mobile transactions alone have increased by 1,350 per cent."

Charlotte Carver has been appointed as NatWest community banker for the Bournemouth and Poole region.

Drop-in sessions will take place at Westbourne Post Office on Mondays between 10am-12pm, Canford Cliffs Village Hall on Tuesdays between 10am - 1pm and Boscombe Library on Fridays between 10am and 12noon.

Charlotte said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with our customers in Bournemouth and Poole, helping to ensure that NatWest remains an important part of its many thriving communities.

"The impact of technological changes on the way people bank with us has been dramatic but we’re also aware that not everyone is comfortable with these changes.

“In my role as community banker, I’m looking forward to hosting regular events at local venues to help educate customers on being financially fit, training them on the different ways to bank in a digital world and how they can protect themselves from fraudsters.”