MYSTERY surrounds the identity of the new tenant of a North Yorkshire town centre shop.

Rumours are circulating about who is moving into the former Mr Coleman and Mr Morris store in Richmond Market Place.

Workmen have been busy inside the premises this week.

A board advising that offers are now closed on the property has been erected outside.

But the property agent dealing with the site, Leeds-based Nabarro McAllister and Co, has declined to reveal the name of the new tenant.

Companies including a well-known food store and an outdoor clothing shop have been put forward as possible tenants by local traders. But even the town's mayor, Councillor Linda Curran, and town manager Colin Grant, are unaware of the company's identity.

Philip Wicks, chairman of Richmond Business and Tourism Association and owner of Castle Hill Books, said: "I've lost count of the number of times I've been told it's going to be Marks & Spencer, but I think that's maybe wishful thinking. It would be nice if it was M&S, but I am sure they would have said so by now.

"We can only hope it's someone of their quality and attraction."

Coun Curran said: "I'm looking forward to someone moving in. It's a huge shop that we don't want to see empty."

Richmond town and district councillor Russell Lord added: "It's excellent news that these empty premises are being filled, especially considering the size and the store's prominent location.

"At the moment, we don't know who is taking over, but whoever it is, we wish them every success.

"I'm sure the business community will welcome them with open arms."

Mr Coleman and Mr Morris was founded in Richmond in 1980, when Woolworths moved to the other side of the Market Place.

David Morris and his brother-in-law, Mr Coleman, later passed the business on to Mr Morris' daughter, Carole Jackson, and her husband, David, who live in Leeds.

The couple declined to renew the lease on the store at the end of January following a drop in trade over the previous year.