Staff at four Woolworths stores in Thanet are among 27,000 people who will lose their jobs as the high street giant reaches the end of the line.

Administrators Deloitte confirmed on Wednesday that all 807 of the company's UK stores will be shut down within two weeks.

A quarter will close for the final time on December 27, with the remaining 600 to cease trading on or before January 5.

The shopkeepers' union Usdaw said that staff at Woolies' branches in Margate, Cliftonville, Broadstairs and Ramsgate would be notified of planned closure dates later this week.

John Gorle, national officer, said: "We're shocked and deeply disappointed by the news that no buyer has yet been found for Woolworths.

"Redundancy is devastating at any time of the year, but particularly so at Christmas."

Laura Sandys, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Thanet, described the announcement as "extremely upsetting".

She added: "I'm gutted and devastated for all the staff at Woolies.

"Let's hope that the administrators can pull together a package that allows some of these shops to be sold on to other retailers, who I feel would have an obligation to re-employ Woolworths staff."