Boots is closing one of its branches on Front Street in Prudhoe as part of the 300-store closure plan this year.

The British health and beauty retailer and pharmacy chain has announced the closures.

Prudhoe Cllr Gordon Stewart said: "Following the announcement by Boots earlier this year that they intend to close approximately 300 stores around the country, the news is that one of the two Prudhoe Front Street stores is to close.

"The company made a statement at the time of the earlier announcement outlining their reasons for the massive reorganisation.

"Sales online will play a part in their making of this decision as well as competition. It is good news that one of the stores will remain open and I am asking that the staff be redeployed locally.

"The high streets throughout the world are changing and a lot of work is being done to support local businesses and to encourage new ones to replace those that are leaving, it's not an easy task but one that we are taking seriously, I wish to encourage everyone to please shop locally whenever they can."