YORKSHIRE-based bakery, Cooplands has announced its Skipton shop is staying open despite being listed for possible closure and is offering customers free coffee each Friday.

A spokesman for the firm said Skipton was one of a number of shops highlighted for closure as part of a wider review of the business.

They said: "Having reviewed our plans, we have made a decision to stay open and continue to serve the local people of Skipton with our fantastic traditional baked products.”

As part of the drive to relaunch Skipton to the local community, Cooplands is launching Free Coffee Friday, offering customers a free hot drink every Friday as part of a trial scheme.

Caroline Jones, Cooplands’ marketing director said: “We are confident that customers will love our new coffee so they can come along and try it for free, every Friday no strings attached.

“It’s Fairtrade certified coffee, made from 100 per cent Arabica beans, meaning that coffee farmers receive a fair and stable price for their coffee - something which we believe in supporting."