ONE of the country's best-loved stores is considering opening new branches in North Yorkshire.

High street retailer Marks and Spencer has confirmed that it is considering a number of locations nationwide for new stores and both Ripon and Northallerton are in the running.

The stores would be warmly welcomed in both communities, with hopes that they would draw in new shoppers from further afield.

The company is believed to be interested in three units in Ripon.

Mayor, Councillor Bernard Bateman, said: "We would welcome the move with open arms. It would make a lot of difference to our economy and bring in more people from the city's hinterland.

David Briggs, president of the chamber of trade in Ripon, agreed.

"M&S is a major retailer and undoubtedly would be wonderful for Ripon. It would give us the chance to change the scene here in the city," he said.

In Northallerton, news of a quality store coming to the town follows swiftly on the heels of Laura Ashley, which is opening a shop in South Parade. It is felt that an M&S would further enhance the town.

Northallerton's Mayor, Councillor Jack Dobson, said: "M&S has a certain cachet and would hopefully encourage similar stores to take occupancy here.

"On top of the new Laura Ashley, it would really secure Northallerton's position on the map as the county town of North Yorkshire."

M&S is interested in two units on the high street and it is felt that the move would benefit the other shops and the community.

Chairman of the town's chamber of trade, Jim Turnball, said: "We would be very pleased if M&S came to the town, clearly there is a lot of potential here. The name has a certain credibility attached to it and would bring people into Northallerton who would usually go shopping to York or Darlington."

A spokesperson for M&S said: "We are looking nationally at different sites, considering what the customer wants and what is available. We are looking at Northallerton and Ripon and evaluating their potential.