With the Covid situation improving in Devon and Cornwall, Trago Mills has announced when it will opening again after closing during lockdown in January.

Making the announcement on its Facebook, the store, which has stores in Falmouth,Liskeard and Newton Abbot as well as Merthyr Tydfil in Wales, says it will reopen in March 8 followed by a 12 day sale.

In a statement it said it was looking forward to welcoming it customers back, although some departments such as soft furnishings and carpets are classed as not essential and will not be reopen until April 12.

"We will re-open Trago Garden Centres and essential departments like DIY, decorating, building supplies, household essentials and pets on Monday, 8th March. We look forward to welcoming you back," it said.

Trago Mills announced back in January that it was closing all its store temporarily, including its Falmouth store on Arwenack Street. Although hardware stores were not required to close during lockdown, Trago took the decision to do so.

March 8 is the date that all pupils will be able to return to school. Boris Johnson revealed plans for the easing of lockdown in England last week when he unveiled the government’s “road map” out of lockdown in a Downing Street press conference.

A new four-stage plan in England could see all legal limits on social contact lifted by June 21, if all conditions are met.

We could see non-essential shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality reopen on April 12 if all goes to plan.

Founded in the 1960s by Mike Robertson and his wife Pam, the stores in Liskeard, Newton Abbot and Helston, before the move to Falmouth, were at the forefront of discount retailing in the UK.

Last year was the company's 55th anniversary.