The closing date of one Falmouth's best-loved stores, M&S, has been announced.

It has been expected for a while, but now it has been confirmed that Saturday, February 2 will be the final trading day for the shop that has been in the town for more than 80 years.

It follows the company's announcement a year ago that it planned to close 14 more stores in the UK - confirming the following month that Falmouth would be among them.

The store has been in Falmouth for more than 80 years

The Falmouth branch, in Market Street, is thought to be the oldest M&S in Cornwall.

This week the store began the process of winding down and was giving the public a chance to take home an unusual piece of memorabilia, when they offered up all the shop's mannequins for free.

The impending closure has led to speculation about what might takes its place - although one rumour that pub chain JD Wetherspoon was interested appears to be just that.

When the Packet contacted Wetherspoon, a spokesperson denied it planned to take on the building. The chain already has a branch in Falmouth, The Packet Station, on The Moor.

Town manager Richard Gates also confirmed: "It's no more than a rumour."

The freehold of the building has been put up for sale by the landlords through CBRE Commercial.

  • Do you have any memories or old photos of Marks & Spencer through the years in Falmouth? Get in touch via editorial@packetseries.co.uk or through the Packet Newspapers Facebook page.