FANS of fashion have had their hopes dashed after a favourite clothing brand has quashed rumours it is opening up in the city.

Rumours had swirled on social media that fashion brand Zara would soon be coming to Worcester's city centre with thrilled shoppers saying they were "so excited" and calling it the "best news" they had heard all week.

But a spokesperson from Zara has put a stop to the online gossip saying it was unlikely they would be opening a shop in the city centre anytime soon.

However, there remained a glimmer of hope for the brand's fans as they said they did not completely rule out opening up in the city centre at some point in the future.

The Zara spokesperson said: "We have confirmed with the relevant department that it is not likely that we will open a new store in Worcester for the moment.

"However, we do not rule out doing this in the near future."

The Spanish brand has over 2,000 stores worldwide and sells clothing for men, women and children.

There have been several big brands opening up shops in Worcester in recent months including Paperchase, L'Occitane and Patisserie Valerie with jewellers Fraser Hart opening soon.

But next week there will be a notable closure when shoe and handbag shop Russell and Bromley shuts its doors for good on Wednesday, March 18 after 40 years on Worcester's High Street.