POPULAR fashion retailer New Look has announced job losses as it closes two Teesside stores.

Its Stockton High Street store will close for good on Saturday, January 18, and its Thornaby store is also set to close.

Last year New Look said it would be closing a number of stores across the UK, including Stockton High Street, as part of the chain's restructuring plan.

The fashion chain is to make up to 980 jobs redundant under proposals to shut 60 stores and cut rent on nearly 400 shops as part of a rescue plan.

Outlets set for closure include outlets in Thornaby and Stockton. 

It is not known how many jobs locally will be lost.

The chain will continue to operate outlets in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Teesside Shopping Park.

Alistair McGeorge, of New Look, said: “Given our challenged trading performance and over-rented UK store estate, we are having to take tough but necessary actions to reduce our fixed cost base and restore long-term profitability.

“We have held constructive discussions with our key landlords and strategic partners and will now seek creditor approval on our CVA proposal. A priority for us is to keep all potentially affected colleagues informed during this difficult time.”

Daniel Butters, at Deloitte, said: “The retail trading environment in the UK remains extremely challenging, driven by weaker consumer confidence, the implications of Brexit and competition from online channels."