Shoppers will be sad to hear Marks & Spencer has announced its closing date as the firm bids farewell to Hounslow town centre after 80 years.

The retail giant has confirmed it will be closing its outlet store, in Hounslow High Street, and will cease trading on September 26, marking the end of an era.

The 60 staff who work at the store will be offered a position at one of its other stores in west London, and entered into consultation back in June.

The company says the decision has not been taken lightly and the reasons for the closure, previously outlined, still stand.

An M&S spokesman said: "We have taken the difficult decision to close the Hounslow Outlet store, which will stop trading on September 26.

"This decision is not one we have taken lightly and we will be offering positions for all of our colleagues in other stores across the local area."

It has been claimed the store is no longer needed as it is managing its clothing stock more effectively.

The Hounslow branch is one of four outlet stores the company plans to close

Should the Hounslow store close, the nearest full M&S stores would be in Richmond (2.5 miles), Ealing Broadway (3.5 miles) and Kew (3.5 miles).