As part of a £4m regional expansion, Coutts, the "top people's bank", has announced plans to double the number of private bankers in its Winchester office.

Richard Whitehead, responsible for the team in Winchester, said interviews were under way for two new private bankers for the city office in Parchment Street. The new recruits are expected to be in place by January.

"business in Winchester is driven by entrepreneurial wealth and an increasing number of retired clients," said Mr Whitehead.

As part of the expansion scheme, the branch is looking to increase the number of professional clients, especially in law, accountancy and management consultancy firms, as well as continuing to grow the number of business and retirement customers.

The Winchester office currently manages £99m of assets on behalf of its clients throughout Hampshire.

Clients of Coutts should have £500,000 of investable assets, or £5m in fixed assets, such as property.

Mr Whitehead said: "Wealth throughout the Hampshire area continues to grow. Our investment in the Winchester office is a reflection of our continued commitment to existing and potential clients, and our determination to bring our products and services closer to them.

"The expansion will enable us to keep building on the personal service for which Coutts is renowned."