DISCUSSIONS are continuing to secure a high street department store for Darlington's new shopping centre.

Developers had hoped to be able to announce which store would be opening in the £45m redevelopment of the Queen Street shopping centre this month.

But last night a Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said no decisions had been made although discussions were still continuing with an unnamed store.

The council is working with St Martin's Property Investments to transform the shopping centre, which was built in the 1960s.

The new development will include a two-storey extension to the arcade and a multi-storey car park, which it is hoped will regenerate shopping in the town.

It is believed the preferred department store chain for the centre is Debenhams, although this has not been confirmed.

The council spokeswoman said: "Discussions are continuing and are going well, but at this stage we cannot name the department store which will be moving into the centre."

Alders department store is also rumoured to be interested in the development which would include leisure facilities, a restaurant gallery and various new high street names for the town.

The developers have applied for planning permission for the site and are awaiting the council's decision before work can begin.