Residents of a Kent town are set for a post-lockdown treat when a unique new bar opens in the high street.

New Romney is set to welcome Balance Bar, a tapas bar and restaurant that will give all of its profits to charity.

The bar, which is the first of its kind in the area, will open in the former Natwest bank building on the High Street.

It is owned by Lance McKay, a local business owner who wanted to give back to charities that had helped his family.

He said: "I had originally planned to turn the building into two commercial shops and offices, but in May 2019 my family's life was changed dramatically.

"My youngest daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She was cared for at the Lion Ward in Kings College Hospital, London, by its extraordinary surgeons and nurses.

"We could not have asked for a better quality of care, and to this day we are grateful for everything they did.

"That inspired me to reapply for planning permission to create a bar with the intention of all profits being donated to charities associated with brain tumour research."

Work on the Natwest building has been ongoing since January, and is set to complete in June, when patrons will be able to enjoy food and drink while surrounded by the original features of the bank vault.

Mr McKay, who owns seven companies on and around the Marsh area, said that by that point, around £250,000 will have been invested in the project, with additional support coming from other companies.

"We have received great support from other local businesses such as Hatch Engineering Ltd and On Architecture," he explained, "and without the support and dedication of my staff across all companies, I would not have achieved this.

"Balance Bar is a venture that means a great deal to me. After what I have accomplished over the years, I am able to deliver something in return.

"With the help of my team, we will produce exciting food and cocktail menus. Our aim will be to ensure that every customer has a unique experience when visiting Balance Bar with the added knowledge of knowing that they are contributing to a terrific cause."

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh