Bishop Auckland's Wilko store is set to close for good next week.

The mayor of the town described what a loss it would be and how he felt for all the workers who would be losing their jobs.

Branches around the country have been waiting to find out if they would be one of the stores set to close.

The announcement means that a number of stores will be closing on September 12 and September 14.

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Sam Zair, Mayor of Bishop Auckland, described his shock that Wilko was closing.

He said: "This is truly tragic news.

"It's disappointing for the staff, workers and the town as a whole as well.

"I was just hoping that our Wilko was going to be one of the few that was going to be saved.

"As a town, we are just going to have to get through it.

"It's a huge, huge loss for the area.

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"I'm just gobsmacked.

"It is a sad day for Bishop Auckland.

"The high street has taken another battering."