Oakham's Wilko will be closing on Sunday 24 September, and presenters from a local radio station are encouraging local people to come out in support of the employees on their final shift.

Oakham is one of many Wilko stores closing this week after the Leicestershire-born homeware chain, owned by the Wilkinson family, fell into administration last month. This put 12,500 jobs and 400 stores at risk.

While over 100 stores are being saved through deals forged with B&M and Poundland, most stores across the country will be closed. Oakham is one of these stores, which has come as a blow to the local community.

Between the Poundland and B&M takeovers confirmed over the last fortnight, 122 stores and a potential 3,200 jobs will be saved. The Stamford and Melton stores are being taken over by Poundland, although it looks like they will be rebranded.

However, Wilko in Oakham could not be saved despite 16 successful years in Rutland's county town, and the final day of trade for the store has been announced.

While the Stamford shop closed on 19 September, Wilko in Oakham will be closing at 4pm on Sunday 24 September.

Will you show up in support of the Wilko staff? Image credit: Rutland and Stamford Sound.

As such, the team from Rutland and Stamford Sound, headed up by Rob Persani, have encouraged local people to come out and show their appreciation to the team as they finish their final shift.

They shared on social media: "The store closes at 4pm. Would you like to join us outside to say thank you to the staff for the last 16 years in the county town?"

Will you be there?

Let us know and share you favourite memories of the store, and other local shops that you miss, by emailing [email protected].