Co-op shops are being sold off in Cumbria as part of a £117 million deal with McColl’s Retail Group.

Among the Co-op stores McColl's is taking over are Workington, Distington and Seacliffe in Whitehaven.

Earlier this year the Co-op sold almost 100 shops to Hilco as it sought to shed unprofitable or empty outlets and last week it purchased six from My Local after that the chain went into administration.

All of the new McColl’s stores will continue to trade after the sale goes through in November.

Steve Murrells, chief executive of Co-op Food, said:“The Co-op Food business continues to move forward with a clear momentum and purpose to deliver a compelling and convenient shopping experience for our millions of customers and members.

“Today’s announcement is completely in line with our strategy, as these stores did not allow us to provide a sufficiently compelling own-brand offer for our members going forwards.

"The proceeds will be re-invested to drive sustainable growth for our members and I’m delighted that all 3,808 colleagues will transfer to McColl’s on the same terms and conditions.”

The past 12 months has seen the Co-op become the most frequently visited convenience food retailer in the UK.

In the last two years it has opened almost 200 stores and is looking at buying 100 more this year.

The sale still requires the approval of the UK’s competition watchdog and McColl’s shareholders.