TWO leading national shop chains are bidding to become the new tenants of shop premises in Darlington.

After more than 150 years on High Row, Dressers closed last month after it and a sister store in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, were sold to developer Terrace Hill.

Robert Cansick, a director of the firm, said last night there were about five national shop chains interested in the Darlington site, with a shortlist of two.

A source named the final two as clothing firm GAP and book seller Ottakars.

A spokesman for GAP ruled it out of the race for the site.

But Ottakars, which has a two-floor shop across from High Row, at the front of the Cornmill Shopping Centre, admitted it had an interest in the premises.

James Heneage, managing director, said yesterday: "We are looking at it. It is pretty early days, though. No decision has been taken yet."

The GAP spokesman said: "GAP are not looking for any premises in Darlington and are not involved in any discussions with landlords in the area."

Mr Cansick said: "We are talking to a number of national multiple retailers - approximately five people, with a shortlist of two."

If Ottakars moves to High Row, the new owners of the Cornmill centre will be left with one of their main stores in need of a new tenant.

The centre only recently filled the space left by the departure of C&A.

The former Northallerton store has also been linked with leading national firms, WH Smith having expressed an interest.

Meanwhile, auctioneers Thomas Watson and Son sold items from both stores at the end of last month.

Memento hunters and antique dealers showed great interest in the items.

A Victorian bronze figure of a young boy raised £2,400 and a pair of 19th Century oriental blue and white vases realised £1,400, despite one being damaged.

Furniture also sold well, with £1,100 being paid for a Victorian mahogany dining table and £1,300 for a Victorian walnut partners desk.