WICKES will be closing all of its stores for three days over the Christmas period – describing it as a thank you to its staff and 'to support their wellbeing at the end of an extraordinary year'.

The home improvement retailer – which has a Warrington store in Pinners Brow Retail Park – will begin its extended Christmas closure after close of business on December 23. It will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

It is the first time in the business's 48-year history that it will give more than 8,000 workers additional leave, on top of their regular allocation, to give them extra time to unwind and be with loved ones.

As an essential retailer Wickes staff have been working throughout the two lockdowns helping customers keep homes dry, warm and safe during the pandemic.

As a thank you, each Wickes worker will also receive gift cards and access to other discount schemes.

David Wood, chief executive at Wickes, said: “The decision to close our stores and give our colleagues some meaningful time off was an easy one. It’s been an unprecedented year and we wanted to take a moment to recognise the tremendous effort our team has gone to, in swiftly adapting to such unusual circumstances with an incredible can do attitude.

At a time when we usually connect with others, we felt it was right to support our colleagues with more time with friends and loved ones – we’re sure our customers will understand why we feel this is important.”