Are you one of those people who loses your bank card once a month, writes Frances Ivens.

Metro Bank opened its 21st branch in Kingston town centre today promising to print off instant replacements inside.

The idea is one of the ways the bank in a new building in Eden Street hiopes to persuade customers to switch.

The branch employs 24 people, but its chief executive said more jobs would be available in the future.

Craig Donaldson, chief executive officer of Metro Bank said: "We expect a lot of those currently working in the Kingston branch will be promoted, and we are recruiting constantly as people move through."

He said the bank hoped to involve Kingston pupils in its schools scheme, educating them about finance.

Mr Donaldson said: "It is important to bring the kids into the branch. We get them to sit behind the counter and show them the safety deposit box. Banking can be engaging".

Metro bank first started trading in 2010 and prides itself on customer service. There is a dog bowl in most branches. The Croydon branch teamed up with Battersea Dogs Home to offer free pet microchipping this summer.

Mr Donaldson said: "Our branches are open seven days a week, 362 days a year. We print bank cards off in branch.

"So if yours is lost or stolen you can just pop in."

Will you be persuaded to switch banks? Email the newsdesk@surreycomet.co.uk