A Stalham bank which has been part of the town for more than 100 years is to close.

Barclays, on High Street, will shut its doors on Friday September 25 after trading in the town since 1896.

Bank chiefs have blamed modern banking habits for the 'difficult decision' to close the branch following a steep fall in custom.

Chris Channell, acting community leader for Barclays Norfolk and Suffolk, said: 'People increasingly use online, telephone and mobile devices. We must therefore evolve the shape and size of our branch network in response to changing customer behaviour.'

There had been a 44pc drop in the number of customers using the bank since 2008 and 70pc of customers now regularly used alternative branches.

Barclays staff in Stalham would be given the opportunity to work at a nearby branch.

'We hope that the availability of nearby branches at Wroxham, North Walsham, Acle and Aylsham, access to services at the local Post Office and our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers as we move out of the Stalham branch,' Mr Channell added.

Customers would receive a letter, posters would be displayed in the branch and staff would help with any concerns.

Duncan Edmonds, chairman of Stalham Town Council, said it was a great shame that the bank was closing and they had registered their concern.

'There is nothing we can do except express our disappointment,' said Dr Edmonds. He was confident the building would be re-let. The town has a NatWest bank, also on High Street.

Barclays branches are also set to close in Long Stratton, Norfolk, on September 18, and Bungay, Suffolk, on October 23.