A WOMENSWEAR store which opened in the Hardshaw Centre last year has closed its doors.

Signs were seen put up outside Lavitta, which launched in the town centre last April, announcing the shop's closure.

It is understood that Lavitta, which describes itself as an "exclusive online shop" is also shutting other stores around the country and the closure is not exclusive to the St Helens store.

The 3,500 square-feet premises created seven jobs at the time of its opening.

When the store opened last year, Lavitta said: "We have been offering affordable, flattering fashion to our customers since we launched online in 2015 and are now thrilled that we can bring our great designs to the high street". A store spokesman added St Helens was "highly represented" among its customer base.