24 Wilko stores will close later, including the Putney branch, with all 400 branches expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Hopes that parts of the chain could be saved were dashed when rescue talks collapsed yesterday.

Hammersmith and New Malden stores are also closing on Thursday.

Head of the GMB union, Gary Smith, says workers are devastated.

B-and-M’s buying some of its stores – and Poundland might take some others – but there’s no guarantee any jobs will be saved.