ONE of Worcester's oldest retail names is on the move across the city as part of the upgrading of Lychgate Shopping Centre.

Russell & Dorrell is to take over Countrywide Stores' County Mills building in Dolday.

The department store - which has traded in the Faithful City since 1847 - is set to close its Lychgate store in January, 2003, when the 1960s centre undergoes its massive redevelopment.

The new store will sell furniture. The department has grown over the years and the new, 25,000 sq ft store will mean twice as much stock can be offered on all three floors of the building.

"We're waiting for the necessary planning consents to come through, but we're extremely pleased to have the opportunity of acquiring this substantial building from Countrywide," said general director Howard Dorrell.

"It will suit our needs well. We're looking to create a prestigious and unique environment for extensive ranges of traditional, classic and contemporary furniture. It's a most exciting prospect for us."

A decision on planning consents is expected in mid-September.

The company hopes to take possession in early November to allow for fitting-out work to take placed for a January opening.

"I'm delighted with what we're going to do with the furniture," said Mr Dorrell.

"We thought long and hard about our decision regarding the High Street store. We agonised over it, but we think it's the right decision economically and business-wise.

"There's a tinge of nostalgia and sadness attached, but life changes and economics change."

Countrywide managing director Ian Smith said the firm was sad to be leaving a building it had occupied since it was built in 1952.

"Russell & Dorrell's interest came at a time when we were developing our Country stores and we were wanting to consolidate our head office functions," he said.

"We wish them well in their new venture."