Shoppers pranked by Woolworths 'reopening' sign

The sign mysteriously appeared at the entrance to Chelmer Village Retail Park, in Chelmsford

A sign suggesting a Woolworths store was to re-open 15 years after the brand disappeared from British high streets was a hoax, a retail park confirmed.

Eagle-eyed shoppers spotted the former high street favourite's name on a sign at the entrance to the Chelmer Village Retail Park, in Chelmsford, Essex.

But a spokesman for the shopping centre said despite wanting to see Woolworths return to the UK, the sign was not legitimate.

The logo of the retailer, which closed its stores after entering administration in 2009, had been placed over the logo of the insolvent Carpetright.

The retail park said it was in conversation with several national retailers who were interested in Carpetright's vacant unit.

More than 27,000 people were left unemployed as a result of Woolworths closing down

Woolworths operated in the UK for 100 years, having opened its first store in Liverpool in 1909.

It had 807 British stores, including one in the centre of Chelmsford, and its closure left more than 27,000 people unemployed.