A Marie Curie nurse was the guest of honour when Yorkshire Building Society celebrates opening a new branch in Brentwood.

The UK’s second largest building society is currently raising money for the charity through its Hour of Need appeal where each £20 raised is used to pay for one hour of Marie Curie Nursing care.

Clare Horgan officially cut the ribbon to open the new High Street branch on Friday.

There will also be entertainment both inside and outside the branch, refreshments and a chance to donate to the Hour of Need appeal.

Clare Horgan, Marie Curie Nurse for the Brentwood area, said: “On behalf of everyone at Marie Curie, I would like to say a big thank you to Yorkshire Building Society staff and their customers for supporting the wonderful Hour of Need campaign.

“The money raised today will help make a real difference to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.”

The new branch will offer customers both new and old a more convenient, modern environment.

Sean Kilbourn, manager of the Brentwood branch of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “I’m delighted to welcome people to our brand new branch here in Brentwood, especially as we celebrate raising a total of £300,000 for Marie Curie since our Hour of Need campaign was launched last year.

“We have listened to our members who told us they wanted a brighter, more modern branch with easy access to parking. Apart from our location nothing else has changed – we are still committed to helping people save for their futures and buy their own homes.”

To donate to the Hour of Need appeal, www.justgiving.com/hourofneed/