A FASHION retailer is to open one of its largest stores in the country when it takes over a flagship shopping centre unit.

The new M&Co store is to open at the Prince Bishops Centre in Durham on Saturday, November 18.

The company is taking over the anchor unit at the outdoor shopping centre which has stood empty since BHS went into administration last year.

Traders in Durham have previously raised concerns that the closure of the store following the collapse of the High Street giant had impacted on customer footfall across the city centre.

The new store will create 30 jobs and, at more than 14,000 square feet, is one of the largest ever opened by M&Co, part of the Scottish-based Mackays Stores Group.

The new store will sell womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, including teen, baby, homeware and accessories.

Following the recent collaboration between M&Co and the Military Wives Choirs charity, the local Military Wives Choir will be performing at the store opening.

M&Co’s Chief Executive Officer, Andy McGeoch said, “It’s brilliant to be welcoming customers back into the ex-BHS unit.

“Durham is the ideal setting for our new store and we’re very excited about opening in the city.”