The Early Learning Centre, in Newborough, will shut on Saturday February 13, leaving the future of its six workers in doubt and shoppers deeply "shocked".

The company refused to reveal to the Evening News details of what effect the move will have on staff, and said customers must now have to travel to their nearest branch in York.

The closure is another blow to Scarborough's economy and marks the changing face of the town centre after the loss of Woolworths, Wallis, Barratts and Card Warehouse during the recession.

The town is set to get a Poundland store at the former Woolworths site, and Mountain Warehouse and women's clothing outlet Viyella have recently opened. But town centre manager Malcolm Hall said the loss of the Early Learning Centre was sad news.

He said: "It is disappointing and surprising that the company are leaving the town and it will be very frustrating for a number of people in the town because the shop is very valuable for parents looking to buy not only toys, but educational goods too.

"I was in the store prior to Christmas and it seemed to be doing very well so this is a shock. We hope it won't stay empty for long and that an equally good store will take its place."

Mr Hall said the closure did not reflect the sense of recovery in the town.

Read the full story in Monday's Evening News