DEVELOPERS ended more than two years of speculation last night by revealing the company that has bought a prime shopping site in Darlington.

Menswear chain Bertie Quality Clothing has bought the former Dressers shop in High Row for an undisclosed figure.

The stationers closed in April 2001 after 150 years of trading in the town.

Since then, rumours have been rife about the future of the premises, with a number of national retailers linked with the site.

Bertie will relocate early next year from its present store in the town centre into the new building, which offers 11,500sq ft of retail space on two floors.

Philip Leech, director of Teesside property developer Terrace Hill, which announced the sale, said: "Darlington is gaining in popularity for retailers and the unit in High Row is in an excellent location.

"There was considerable interest in the property and we are delighted to have closed the deal with a local business."

Martyn Collins, of Knight Frank, which acted on behalf of Bertie, said: "The firm already has an outlet in Darlington, but was looking for larger premises.

"This site will allow for greater scope to increase the business and complements the other stores that Bertie operates in Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough, Stockton and York."

The Dressers store in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, also closed in 2001.