A "banking revolution" will be unveiled in Epsom next weekend when a Metro bank opens in the historic town. 

Metro Bank, launched in 2010 as the country’s first new high street bank in 100 years, is set to occupy the former The Card Factory and Halifax bank unit on Epsom High Street.

It will be open seven days a week, 362 days a year, and will offer 24-hour online and telephone banking.

To mark the opening, the bank will be holding two days of celebrations on Friday, March 14 - the day the bank opens for business - and Saturday, March 15.

The entertainment on offer, beginning at 8am each day, will include stilt walkers, face-painting, balloons and music.

Craig Donaldson, the bank’s chief executive, said: "We’re excited to continue our expansion in 2014 with the opening of our brand new store in Epsom.

"Following the success of our stores in Kingston-on-Thames and Guildford, we’re thrilled to be expanding our network in the area, and look forward to quickly becoming an important part of the local community."

The location of Metro Bank’s new building in Epsom is within the high sreet’s conservation area and was first recorded as a blacksmith’s forge in 1687. 

By 1832 it was the White Hart pub, which closed in the mid-1980s when it became a shop.

In August last year, Councillor Graham Dudley, chairman of the council’s planning committee said the location’s history meant that "reconciling [it with] the Metro Bank’s distinctive brand and visual appearance was never going to be easy" but that the planning department "worked together to bring about an acceptable compromise".

The bank will be open from 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday and Bank Holidays.