Debenhams has said it will reopen 50 of its stores in England on June 15 as coronavirus restrictions are eased - including a branch in York.

But the retailer, which recently entered administration, said it will only reopen 120 stores after a series of closures, having entered the lockdown with 142 stores.

It said it will then reopen 50 stores in England on June 15, with the remaining stores following later in the week.

Its store at Monks Cross shopping centre is among the 50 to reopen first. Debenhams in Harrogate will also reopen on June 15

Debenhams' flagship York store, which was based in Davygate, closed its doors for good last year after operating in the city for several decades.

Debenhams said preparations for the reopenings are “well under way”, with strict social distancing and hygiene procedures being implemented across all stores.

Meanwhile, its stores in Scotland and Wales will reopen once Government restrictions are eased, it said.

Steven Cook, managing director at Debenhams, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our stores in the coming weeks.

“From the installation of Perspex screens at till points to the roll-out of social distancing procedures and PPE, we have been working hard to ensure our colleagues and customers can work and shop with confidence.

“Our reopening plans follow the successful conclusion of lease negotiations on 120 stores, meaning that the vast majority of our stores will be reopening.”

Last month, Debenhams said it will cut hundreds of head office jobs as it looks to drive a turnaround in profitability.

Debenhams was already struggling before the lockdown and fell into administration on April 9 in a protective measure against creditors demanding their money.

Since the coronavirus pandemic shut all non-food retailers, the department store has announced the permanent closure of at least 12 stores, with thousands of job losses.