All of the Debenhams stores in Kent earmarked for closure will shut for good in January, it has been confirmed.

Closing down signs appeared in the Ashford, Canterbury, Chatham and Folkestone branches two months ago - but bosses have now revealed the final day of trading will be on Friday, January 24.

Each of the stores will be handed back to the landlords on that day and will no longer operate as Debenhams.

Depending on how the closing down sales go, some of the the shops may shut at an earlier date.

The four Kent stores are part of 22-strong list of outlets to be axed across the country.

Ashford's Debenhams opened in 2008 and has been the flagship of the County Square shopping complex extension.

It is not yet known what will fill the huge unit come next year but town business bosses have previously said it could cater for Kent's next Primark.

Over in Canterbury, bold £25 million plans to regenerate the sprawling city centre Debenhams site into new retail outlets and flats are due to be considered by the council.

Cinema plans are afoot for the Folkestone store, while the future of the soon-to-be vacant Chatham unit is unknown.

Come Friday, January 24 there will be two remaining Debenhams in the county, with Gravesend and Broadstairs being the last couple standing.

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent

Read more: All the latest news from Kent