ONE of the region's oldest and most-loved businesses will close both its stores today.

A chapter of history will close when Dressers in Darlington and Northallerton shut their doors for the last time.

The directors of Dressers (Stationers) Ltd announced in January that the stores were to close because it had become "increasingly difficult" to maintain the company's style of high street retailing.

Closing down sales at both stores began immediately, and on the second last day of trading yesterday, there were few items remaining on the shelves.

Developer Terrace Hill has bought both stores and will start refurbishment so that the properties are available for occupation by mid-summer.

WH Smith has expressed an interest in taking over the Northallerton store, which opened in the 1970s, while there has also been many inquiries about the Darlington branch, which has been in the town for more than 150 years.

Robert Cansick, of Terrace Hill, said: "There has been a lot of interest shown from national retailers in both stores, but nothing has been signed."

The Darlington property in the main retailing area, in High Row, is banded as Zone A rental of about £60 per sq ft.

It provides 11,500sq ft space on two floors with second floor ancillary space of 2,000sq ft. Rental offers of about £160,000 per annum are sought. The Northallerton property, at 102-103 High Street, is a listed building with 40ft frontage offering 6,300sq ft of retailing space on ground and first floors.

A second floor provides 1,200sq ft for stock and staff, and rental offers of £130,000 per annum are sought.