IT is the end of an era for one of Darlington's most popular high street stores.

The doors of Marks and Spencer on Northgate closed for the last time last night as shoppers and staff exited at closing time.

However, the firm will be opening the doors to its newest Foodhall in West Park Darlington this morning so the company will continue to serve the town's residents just with food and not its clothing range.

Throughout yesterday, people were able to pick up a bargain or two as clothing and food was sold-off at a reduced rate.

When the announcement was confirmed last month Andrew Crooks, head of region for North-East at Marks & Spencer, reassured shoppers that they would still be able take advantage of the company's Collect in Store service bringing new clothing and home collections.

However, many shoppers are not convinced about the move to an out-of-town foodhall and having to travel to neighbouring towns to pick up their new clothes.

One of the last people to shop in the store before it closed last night was Margaret Collins, of Darlington.

The 68-year-old said: "It's really disappointing that the shop has closed, this was one of the few shops that Darlington had that was different from many other towns in the area. If I want to buy clothes now I will have to travel out of town."

And Edward Thomas nipped into the shop on his way home from work to see if he could pick up some last minute bargains.

He said: "I managed to pick up a few bits and bobs but it's sad to think this will be the last time that I'm able to shop in Marks and Spencer in the town centre. I'm not sure whether I would go to West Park just to pick up food."

As the lights went out inside the store one or two people tried to get in to see if they could pick up a final bargain.

Brian Anderson, who missed closing time by a matter of minutes, said: "I just wanted to have a look round one last time but I was just a little too late."

Tomorrow morning, Linda Chandler, who worked in the town centre store for more than 40 years, will be on hand to help open the new store and perform the ribbon cutting ceremony.

And for Mrs Chandler it will be full circle as she started working in the foodhall of the town centre store in 1970.

The new store will be open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.

M&S also has stores in Bishop Auckland, Middlesbrough and Teesside Park. Its Stockton store closed earlier this month.