Plans for the second major chain in as many weeks to open a branch in North Walsham have been revealed.

Specsavers, the UK's largest optical retail chain, has confirmed it is taking over the former HSBC bank branch in Market Place, next to the clock tower.

A Specsavers spokesman said: 'Specsavers are always looking at ways of better serving local communities in the UK and we can confirm a new store is scheduled to open in North Walsham in mid-March. Planning is still ongoing.'

North Norfolk District Council approved Specsavers' plans on December 13, and in the same month the firm advertised for full and part-time staff, including the role of 'trainee optical assistant', for the new store.

The statement comes hot on the heels of an application to turn a vacant shop at 35 and 36 Market Place into a Costa Coffee.

The HSBC branch closed in late 2016.