It was a sad day for staff and shoppers alike as Workington's branch of Debenhams closed its doors for a final time on Sunday.

The famous department store shut its doors for good on May 2, and was one of 27 stores in England and Wales to shut its doors for the final time this week.

Earlier this year it was announced that Debenhams was to close all branches after Burnley-based online retailer Boohoo acquired the brand in a £55million deal.

The chain's remaining stores in Cumbria, including the outlet in Carlisle, are expected to shut permanently by May 12.

On news of the closing, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said it was a sad day for the town."Obviously it's not unexpected. I was in there myself at the weekend and it's sad to see it as it is, with everything being sold off.

"I was talking to some of the staff, one of them had managed to find a new job, but another hadn't. We can't let that be forgotten, that these are people's jobs.

In today's gallery we look back on the life and times of a store that genuinely did bring the community together, be it in smaller groups for shopping trips and pamper sessions or, impressively, charity events which the store managed to gain a real reputation for in the years since its establishment in Workington.

Right from its opening in 2006, courtesy of Times and Star competition winner Margaret McKeown, centre, cuts the ribbon and officially opens the new Workington store with help from her sister Violet Barton and store manager Graham Dickinson.

There is no doubt that the store was a real force for good in the area. A catalyst for the redevelopment of Workington Town Centre upon its opening, its staff also made a real mark in the community in the years that followed. They also made sure to back local schools and artists in a unique mark they were able to leave on the area.

For everyone featured, these images will bring back some delightful memories of happy days with colleagues and, indeed friends from years gone by.

Make sure to let us know your own recollections...