Dover High Street will lose retail giants Marks and Spencer, as the food and clothes chain announces it will replace Burlington House.

The retailer has signed up to lease a massive 16,000 sq ft Simply Food shop and café in Townwall Street.

The eyesore is set to be demolished in 2015 as part of the Dover Town Investment Zone development of the St James'area.

Dover District Council leader Paul Watkins believes the deal will “open the door to further investment as other retailers follow suit."

An M&S spokesperson said: "As part of the St James’s regeneration M&S will be opening a food store.

"It is important for us to remain in Dover so this is a relocation rather than a closure.

"There is still that option to order on the internet and collect it from the store."