MARKS and Spencer's town centre store in Clacton will finally close its doors later this month.

The retail giant originally said the store in Pier Avenue would close early next year as part of its programme to reshape its estate of shops in the face of online competition.

But the shop will now close its doors on November 27.

M&S said the closure of the Clacton store is in line with the opening of its new food hall in Walton.

Zoe Fairley, Tendring Council's cabinet member for investment and growth, said the authority and its partners were looking at ways to adapt to a new future for Clacton town centre.

“While it is disappointing that Marks and Spencer in Clacton town centre is closing down, it represents a wider change in the retail environment and an opportunity to do something different in the town centre,” she said.

“That is why we have pulled together a Town Centre Working Group to look at options for how Clacton may look in the future, and how we can achieve that.

“The face of retail is changing in this country – Clacton is not the only town losing its M&S – and we must embrace this change positively.”

The new Foodhall in Arthur Ransome Way, Walton, will open on Wednesday, November 28, at 10am.

Store manager Lisa Johnson, said to celebrate the opening, M&S will be giving away exclusive Golden Tickets to the first 200 customers through the doors.

The Golden Tickets will include offers for £5 and £25 ‘spend today’ vouchers, as well as one £200 Gift Card and two £100 Gift Cards.

Mrs Johnson, who has worked at M&S for 21 years, said: “My team and I are really excited about our new store in Walton.

"We’ll be working hard to provide outstanding service for the community and the new Foodhall will offer all the everyday essentials, as well as seasonal inspiration and innovation.

"Customers will also be able to shop for M&S’s full Clothing and Home collections via M&S.com and using our Collect in Store service. "Cutting the ribbon and welcoming customers in for the first time will be a great moment for the team and I hope lots of local residents will pop down and join us.”

The store will be open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.