Book firm Waterstones is set to return to St Neots more than three years after it pulled out - and will be moving back in to its old premises in the former Barretts department store.

Waterstones has not set a date for the reopening but a spokesman said the store would be ready in time for Christmas.

The shop closed in 2014 after Waterstones was unable to agree terms for a new lease with the landlord. In the meantime, Barretts has closed in its traditional form and part of the building is now occupied by clothes firm Fat Face.

Jacqui Howchin, Waterstones manager, said: “It was with regret that we left St Neots in 2014 but we were heartened by the response of our customers to our departure, many of whom campaigned for our return.

“We have been looking for suitable properties in the town since the closure and so we are delighted to confirm that Waterstones will be returning to St Neots and to the same site - in the former Barretts department store - from where we traded so successfully before.”

Jacqui, manager of the firm’s store in Peterborough is co-ordinating the re-opening of the branch.

She added: “The bookshop is being fully refurbished and we will be open in time for Christmas when we look forward to welcoming back all our customers to whom we are very grateful for their continued and loyal support.”