THE Champagne corks were popping at a Kendal bank after its staff were judged to be among the most helpful in the UK.

The Market Place branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland beat off competition from branches across the country to be voted one of the best in the UK for customer service.

The quality of service at all of the bank's branches is regularly measured using a combination of mystery shoppers and customer feedback.

RBS area manager Sheree McIlwaine said: "I'm extremely proud of the staff here, there is no doubt that they richly deserve the recognition this award will bring."

Branch manager Kath Boaler said: "We are all delighted by this award."