Communities across the UK have lost more than 40% of their bank and building society branches since 1989, according to a new report.

The study, by Nottingham University, found that nearly 7,500 branches closed between 1989 and 2012.

However, it said that the rate of closure had been slower since the year 2000.

The industry said fewer branches were now needed, as many customers had switched to phone or online banking.

The report also found that areas of high unemployment in the UK had lost bank branches at a faster rate than other areas.

Between 1995 and 2012, regions defined as "traditional manufacturing" and "built-up" areas lost 39% of their branch network.

By contrast, areas characterised as "middle England" lost far fewer branches.

Overall, manufacturing and inner city areas have lost branches more than three times as fast as suburbs and small towns, the study says.