Shipley is expecting a welcome boost to its economy as an “affordable fashion” store moves into the empty Woolworths building, creating several new jobs.

Store Twenty One, which is now recruiting, is expected to throw open its doors to the public in May.

It fills the building in Market Place, left vacant in January last year, when Woolworths shut up shop for the final time.

Shipley town centre manager Yvonne Crossley said: “It is absolutely brilliant news for us and everybody is buzzing about it. We think this will really benefit the town.

“We just need something there that will bring footfall into the town. There has been a lot of interest for this store and this company fits the town’s profile. We are over the moon.”

She praised building owners Schroders for their work finding a suitable company to fill the empty space.

Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley) also spoke in favour of the new shop.

“It’s fantastic news, I am glad they have managed to find someone to fill the space,” he said.

“At the moment it is quite depressing every time you walk past it.

“Anything that boosts the town’s economy is good for us.”

A spokesman for Store Twenty One said: ““The new store will not only bring affordable fashion and homeware to Shipley, but also exciting job prospects.”