MARKET Place Centre's flagship store Debenhams closed its doors for the final time today.

Staff at the store bade an emotional farewell as the department store shut yesterday afternoon, with the Market Place Centre saying: "Sarah McGrath and the wonderful team from Debenhams bring the shutters down for the last time

Branches across the country are preparing to shut after the chain store fell into administration in April 2020.

The famous brand and website were sold in January to go online meaning the popular store were forced into closure.

The store opened after restrictions were lifted on April 12 with shoppers flocking to bag a bargain in the closing down sale.

Alison Stewart, Senior Asset Manager at Moorgarth Group Limited, which runs the retail and leisure centre, said: "The centre closed to customers and we are working up plans and proposals for the unit but at this stage we are not in a position to make an announcement.

"We do have plans for the future to make it a go to place for people."

The Market Place has opened the Emporium selling everything from fashion to soaps, cards to handbags and more.

"The cinema has announced its reopening date, we have opened the Emporium and we are working closely with the council.

"We have this fantastic listed building in which people can come to to have something to eat, watch a film and do some shopping."

Alison said the centre was drawing up exciting plans for the centre to host events for the people of Bolton and beyond.