THE wraps come off a high street retailer's entry into the home furnishing market later this month.

Marks and Spencer is to open its first Lifestore alongside the MetroCentre complex at Gateshead.

The finishing touches are being made to the store at Metro Park North.

It is expected to be the forerunner to a nationwide chain, with other Lifestores planned for Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, and at the Lakeside Retail Park, in Essex.

The Lifestore will sell everything from furniture to ornaments and carpets.

Executive director Vittorio Radice, who was recruited last March after overseeing a seven-year turnaround for the Selfridges store in London, is behind the concept.

The centrepiece of the outlet will be a full-sized house, designed by architect John Pawson, and built in the store.

The two-storey house will have an interior and exterior staircase and is designed to provide the best environment to showcase the Lifestore product range.

Its design will be changed annually by invited architects to reflect modern lifestyle.

An spokeswoman for Marks and Spencer said the last of the 250-strong workforce were being recruited and trained ready for the opening on Wednesday, February 25.

The premises will not affect the running of the Marks and Spencer store in the MetroCentre.