A DISCOUNT department store is making its return to the high street after its branch in a Tyne Valley town closed three years ago.

The Original Factory Shop is set to open, once again, in Prudhoe — inside the town’s Co-op store.

The newly refurbished Co-op opened in April after a £1.7m investment. The 12,000 sq ft store, in Oakfield Terrace, runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity and supports more than 30 jobs in the local community.

Space created during the Co-op refit will house the popular discount shop but an opening date has not yet been set.

In 2018, a spokeswoman for The Original Factory Shop, also known as TOFS, said the company had been served notice by the landlord of the Front Street premises.

London & Cambridge Properties (LCP), which managed the site and is owned by Sheet Anchor Evolve London, confirmed at the time arrangements had been made for the building to be occupied by discount supermarket Heron Foods. Heron Foods opened in May, 2019.

On the Original Factory Shop’s comeback, Coun. Gordon Stewart said: “I am pleased that the company has decided to return to Prudhoe.

“The store in Front Street was very popular and closed due to contractual reasons.

“This investment shows that there is real confidence in the future of the town centre. As we build back better after the pandemic, new employment opportunities are a real boost for Prudhoe.”

Coun. Stewart added: “There are many more investment opportunities available and I would welcome discussions with any interested parties.”

The company, which has branches throughout the country, has said on social media it will soon be looking for people to join its team.