MARKS & SPENCER has tabled two planning applications which could pave the way for the opening of a new food store in Ripon.

The nearest M&S store is in Harrogate, and the firm announced recently that it planned to open a 3,000 sq ft store in The Arcade, the city's newly-established development just off the Market Place.

One application before planners in Harrogate involves the erection of a shopfront covering units 8, 10 and 11 in The Arcade.

Another seeks permission to erect one neon sign and two neon fascia panels.

M&S has already announced it aims to have 100 similar branches, under the Simply Food label, operating within the next three years.

The Ripon store, which M&S aims to open in the New Year, is expected to be the first of its type in the North.