Stationery brand Paperchase has confirmed the closure of 106 stores nationwide - including Hitchin.

As Hitchin Nub News reported last month the stationery and cards retailer had fallen into administration - leaving its Bancroft store under threat.

As expected Paperchase administrators Begbies Traynor have confirmed the stores will close within weeks, after the company failed to find a buyer.

Other Hertfordshire Paperchase stores that will close include Berkhamsted, Watford and St Albans.

Approximately 900 members of staff will now be made redundant. Nub News understands this will include at least six roles in Hitchin.

Supermarket giant Tesco had purchased the rights to the Paperchase brand, after the firm entered administration on January 31 - but the future remained uncertain, with Tesco planning to sell Paperchase items in its own supermarkets.

A spokesperson for Begbies Traynor confirmed: "The joint administrators are continuing to trade the majority of paperchase stores for the purpose of realising the stock held [but] it is anticipated that a gradual reduction in the number of stores operated will occur over the coming weeks as stock levels are reduced."