BRIERLEY Hill is set to welcome the region's first drive-thru bank.

Metro Bank, which opens seven days a week, is set to open a store at intu Merry Hill next month - creating 25 new jobs.

The venture, which follows the launch of the firm's first outlet in the West Midlands, in Birmingham city centre, will be the first Metro Bank to open in the Black Country.

Customers will be able to visit any day, with no appointment needed, and open a personal or business account on-the-spot, leaving with their debit card in hand, along with internet and mobile banking set-up.

They will also be able to carry out cashier services from the comfort of their cars.

The bank, which recently achieved the top spot in the CMA’s Service Quality Survey, will also have around 4,000 safety deposit boxes - which customers can reserve a month before the venture opens.

A local business manager will also be on hand to help people grow their businesses, and the store will host free events throughout the year from networking sessions to charity fundraisers and family craft events.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, has welcomed the expansion of the bank and he said: “We are always thrilled to welcome innovative businesses to the West Midlands, and Metro Bank sits firmly in that category. Whether it is banking services for local businesses or personal products for retail customers, the new Metro Bank stores certainly add to the broad range of professional services on offer across the region.

“The expansion of Metro Bank also shows how there is still life in our high streets, with new stores and services seeing profitable futures across the West Midlands.”

Ian Walters, managing director of retail and business banking at Metro Bank, added: “Metro Bank’s further expansion into the West Midlands and the Black Country is supporting communities and businesses, and providing them with real choice in who they bank with.

“We’re thrilled to bring the banking revolution to the local residents and businesses of the Merry Hill area."

The store, which will host a two-day opening party on Friday September 20 and Saturday September 21, will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Fridays, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays, 362 days a year.