THE greeting card retailer, Clinton, closed its store for the last time yesterday (March 19) on Mother's Day.

It now follows the likes of other big names to leave the town centre including HSBC, NatWest and M&Co. All leaving large vacant buildings in town.

The much loved retailer, which has been a key player on Britain's high street since 1968, is expected to close another store forever in just a few weeks' time.

Staff will close the Kirkcaldy shopping centre branch for good on April 8.

Charles Maudling, mayor of Whitehaven and chair of Whitehaven and District Chamber of Trade, previously said Jim Youngman Carpets would also be moving back into its shop on King Street after temporarily vacating the premises due to flooding.

He added: “We need everybody to shop local and help the businesses. It’s local shops that employ local staff.”

Gerard Richardson MBE, who owns Richardson’s of Whitehaven, previously said: “It’s really sad for the staff of Clinton Cards and for the town as it’s yet another empty space on what used to be the most envied high street in the area."