SUPERMARKET chain Sainsbury's has exchanged contracts with Somerfield for the purchase of its Guisborough store for an undisclosed price.

The purchase will be completed on March 3, when the store will close for a short period of re-branding. It will re-open as a Sainsbury's by the middle of next month.

Staff employed by Somerfield will be offered jobs by Sainsbury's.

The store is on the edge of town and has a 146-space car park.

Stephen Wood, head of development for Sainsbury's in the North of England, said: "We are delighted to have secured such a good property in this important town.

"We look forward to taking the Sainsbury's offer to Guisborough."