Clothing giant H&M will open a branch in the former Waterstones store in Stevenage, it was confirmed today.

Town centre manager Tracey Parry said the company is refitting the former bookshop in The Forum which closed last month.

The global chain will begin trading later this year, an H&M spokesman said.

Ms Parry said she was sorry to see the “popular” Waterstones store go, but said the unisex fashion chain will attract young shoppers.

“We are very pleased. The High Street name is a real positive. It’s going to be a really good draw, especially for younger people of which we have many in the town.”