Financial expert Stacey Perruzza is working with communities to provide a personal service for customers as bank branches face closure.

Stacey is hosting events across south Cumbria to help people get up to speed with digital banking.

She has been appointed by NatWest as community banker in response to branch closures and changing banking methods.

NatWest is to close its Ulverston branch on September 27, Grange Over Sands on October 3, Ambleside on October 9 and Millom on October 10.

As part of her role, she will provide customers with personal assistance in accessing the right banking options for their needs.

She said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with our customers in South Cumbria, 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.”

She will be based in Victoria Hall, Grange Over Sands every Tuesday from 1pm to 4pm; the Parish Centre in Ambleside every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 4pm; Bradbury Centre in Millom from 9.30am to 1pm every Thursday and the Parish Church in Ulverston every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Stacey is currently working on a project with Age UK South Lakeland entitled Financially Fit For Later Life. The programme aims to provide financial education to older people in rural communities who find themselves in challenging circumstances.