One of the North East's last remaining stores closed its doors this weekend leaving the region reeling.

Wilko in Middlesbrough closed for the final time on Sunday (October 8) after 24 years in business as it became one of the final six stores to close in the North East and North Yorkshire.

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North; Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, and Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough have all bid farewell to the business today (October 9).

Read more: Middlesbrough Wilko becomes one of the final stores to close

McDonald said: "Wilko has been part of the furniture of Middlesbrough town centre for 24 years and it's a very sad day to see it now closed.

"My thoughts are with the brilliant staff who always provided a brilliant service to all their customers over many years."

The store closed for the final time at 4pm with staff leaving a poster thanking customers for their patronage over the years.

Levelling Up secretary, Clarke said: “It is very sad when any business closes and like everyone, I am thinking of Wilko’s loyal staff at such a difficult moment for them. None of this is their fault.

Read more: All of the potential stores coming to Teesside Park

“Lots of help and support is available at our local Job Centres, including help with CV writing and interview preparation, and with unemployment at a record low across the North East, people should act with confidence that now is a good time to find new opportunities.”

Wilko entered administration in August leaving all 400 of its stores and 12,500 employees at risk. 

Administrators at PwC were forced to sell off Wilko’s assets after rescue deals for the business fell through. 

Some Wilko stores have been saved with fellow high-street retailers agreeing deals with administrators.

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Meanwhile, Cunningham said: “The closure of Wilko stores across Teesside and the rest of the country is devastating for staff, loyal customers and our high street economy.

"I sincerely hope the workers affected are supported and find employment elsewhere quickly.

“Retailers and businesses are struggling and, while local authorities like Stockton on Tees are boldly transforming our shopping centres to meet evolving demands, they need a government that will invest in and support businesses and give councils the powers they need to revitalise our high streets.”