JEWELLER H.Samuel has announced its Galashiels shop will close permanently in June.

The company says the coronavirus pandemic sped up existing plans to shut some stores across the UK.

A spokesperson said: "Our H. Samuel store in Galashiels is closing.

"Amid this challenging pandemic and fluid business conditions, we have accelerated a previous strategy to close some stores permanently starting this month.”

The spokesperson would not comment on the impact on Galashiels staff.

Shoe shop Clarks has also announced the closure of its outlet in the town.

Meanwhile, stationery business WHSmith has quashed rumours that it was planning to do likewise.

A spokesperson says the company has “no intention” of closing the Channel Street site.