AN iconic shop which closed its doors in 2008 could be set to return to the centre of Trowbridge after the company’s former director announced plans to revive the brand.

Woolworths closed all of its 809 stores in 2008, including its branch in Fore Street, after running up debts of £400million.

However the brand, renowned for its pick ‘n’ mix selection, could be on the verge of being resurrected against the odds, after former director Tony Page revealed he is trying to buy the Woolworths name back last week.

Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: "I am still emotionally attached to it, I still think it has got a role in the future.

"I have contacted Shop Direct and said 'you're not using the brand anymore, would you consider giving it to someone who would?'"

In 2009 Mr Page raised nearly £10million in an attempt to snap up branches, but his bid was unsuccessful and the Woolworths name was purchased by Shop Direct, which owns Very and Littlewood.

Shop Direct attempted to revive the company online and allowed customers to order pick 'n' mix for delivery, but the website was shut down in 2015.

Mr Page added: "They have taken the website down, so I'm curious now as to what might happen next because I still think the brand has got some propriety in spite of what happened in the past.

"I would want it to be much more a part of the community.

"The stores that really used to do well were those that were at the heart of the community, rather than being in the big shopping centres."

Mr Page said it was a 'huge disappointment' and described it as 'traumatic' when the shop closed as people who had worked there for years lost their careers and livelihoods.

Woolworths started out in the UK in 1909 with the first store in Church Street, Liverpool.

Its former Trowbridge branch is now a British Heart Foundation charity shop, selling furniture and electrical items.