THE district's flagship department store has opened its doors again - and is recruiting new staff.

After revealing its plans last month, the Yorkshire Trading Company has now moved into the former Robb's store in Hexham.

The historic building housed Robb's from 1928 until a takeover by Beales in 2010, but it closed in February of this year when Beales went into administration, leading to widespread concerns over its future.

About half of the extensive premises, located on the junction of Fore Street and Priestpopple, is currently occupied by the Yorkshire Trading Company, which specialises in a wide range of household goods.

From kitchen and bathroom utensils, to cleaning products, pet food and gardening accessories, the store is also well stocked up on Christmas decorations.

The shop is open during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown because some of its wares are deemed to be essential.

The Yorkshire Trading Company runs over 20 stores between the North-East and the Midlands. It is not known how many staff are employed at its new Hexham outlet, while posters advertising several vacancies have been displayed prominently in the windows.

The store, which was briefly rebranded as Hexham Outlet Centre before its closure in February, was decorated with 'coming soon' boards during the summer.

Coun. Derek Kennedy, who sits on both Hexham Town Council and Northumberland County Council, representing Hexham West, said: "It's just good to see it open again. Nobody wanted such a prominent store in the heart of the town to stand empty."

The Yorkshire Trading Company was contacted by the Courant for comment.