Woolworths closing for last time

Three Woolworths shops in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are shutting down as the first wave of the chain's closures takes place on Saturday evening.

Bedford, Boreham Wood, Hertfordshire, and Hertford are among the 200 branches which will close their doors for the last time.

On 5 January Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire and High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire will also close.

It is estimated 27,000 staff will lose their jobs.

Administrators were called in last month by the high street chain, which has debts of £385m.

Interest has been expressed in the Woolworths brand name and offers have been made on more than 300 stores.