M&CO stores across the UK - including five branches in Ayrshire - are set to close later this year.

Almost 2,000 jobs will be lost after it was confirmed that the clothing retailer's shops will be shut down around Easter time.

The Renfrewshire-based company counts branches in Saltcoats, Irvine, Ayr, Troon and Largs among its 170 UK stores.

The firm entered administration for a second time in December and although AK Retail Holdings - which owns Yours Clothing and Long Tall Sally - purchased the brand last week, the deal does not include the physical stores.

Confirming the news on social media over the weekend, M&Co stores throughout the country said: "Unfortunately, we haven't received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period, and would like to share this news with you.

"As we haven't received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the company's stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close.

"The M&Co 'brand' has been purchased, but unfortunately this does not include a future for our stores, website or staff.

"We will trade potentially until Easter, and then begin the close down process.

"We will update you closer to the time of our actual closing date."

A post on the Saltcoats store's Facebook page said: "Thank you to all our lovely customers.

"Our doors are still open and hopefully will be for a good few weeks yet."

Customers who have gift cards will only be able to use them until this Sunday, February 12.

Explaining the downturn in fortunes of the retail chain, administrators said at the end of last year: “Like many retailers, the company has experienced a sharp rise in its input costs, which has coincided with a decline in consumer confidence leading to trading challenges.

"Despite a very loyal customer base, particularly in local markets, and a well-recognised brand, the current economic outlook has placed increasing pressure on the company’s cash position.”

Previously known as Mackays, the company was set up as a pawnbrokers in Paisley in 1834 before switching to selling clothes in 1953 and rebranding as M&Co in 2005.