A PROMINENT clothing store in the heart of the Tyne Valley looks to have closed its doors for good.

Carlisle-based retailed the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which has a store in Hexham Market Place, and its sister brand Ponden Home, have entered administration.

And the Hexham store, which has been closed for some time, looked to be empty this week. A notice in the window said: "This store is now closed. Thank you for your support over the years."

It is not known how many jobs are affected at the Hexham outlet, but it is understood that 866 jobs have been axed across the two companies, with more than 2,000 at risk.

Tony Wright and Alastair Massey, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP, were appointed as Joint Administrators on Thursday.

Mr Wright said: "Recent months have proven extremely challenging for many retailers, even those that were trading well before the pandemic, including the teams at Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden Home.

"The administrations will provide some further protection while we continue our search for buyers to secure the long-term futures for both businesses. We are working with all affected members of staff to provide the appropriate support.”

The companies will continue to trade online and in their remaining stores, subject to lockdown restrictions.