A businessman has spoken of his "complete shock" at the news that Dickinsons Furnishers Ltd has gone into administration.

Conrad Dickinson sold the trading arm of his long-established family firm to the current owners in 2001, but remained landlord of shops and warehouse space on Beaumont Street, Gilesgate and at Bridge End in Hexham, and on Fenkle Street in Alnwick.

"Obviously over the next few days we will be discussing with the appointed administrators, to find out when we will get our properties back," said Mr Dickinson, whose family continue to operate Dickinsons Brothers Ltd which trades across the north east as Karpet Mills.

"Although it has nothing whatsoever to do with us we will be requesting that the administrator does his level best to ensure that no customers are disadvantaged by this enforced closure.

"As landlords we will co-operate 100 per cent with the administrator to ensure customers can get access to any goods that they have paid for.

"Regarding the empty properties, I hope that the planners, local councillors and the general community can be supportive to try and find new tenants for the empty building in the town centre."

Bosses at Dickinsons Furnishers said the planned closures of the three high street stores in Hexham, Alnwick and Carlisle earlier this month would enable the firm to focus on its commercial and contracting divisions, along with the launch of a new online store.

But on Monday, an announcement on the Dickinsons website said the company had gone into administration.

Administrators RSM said they had received hundreds of calls from customers who are yet to have orders fulfilled.

However, a spokeswoman said the company were yet to be formally appointed as administrators, so were unable to comment further.