The Island's only Santander branch will temporarily close tomorrow, for refurbishment work.

The bank is reducing counter space and redecorating.

From January 8, the Newport branch, on the corner of Pyle Street and St James' Square, will shut.

The work is expected to take about a month and customers have been told to try mainland branches instead.

The nearest alternatives are in Portsmouth and Southampton.

A message underneath a notice in the Newport bank's window reads: "We look forward to welcoming you there."

Proposals submitted in June show the international banking giant plans to shrink the number of counters, from five to two.

A TV will be placed in the window, running adverts 24 hours a day.

The branch's lit-up hanging signs could be replaced with new ones on a timed switch.

Customers can also expect a new waiting area and a self-service room.

The cash machines will remain, while the timber Grade II listed shopfront is repaired, as part of the modernisation.

Newport's is the last remaining Santander on the Island, after the Ryde High Street branch closed four years ago.

The branch is expected to reopen on February 2.