FIVE East Lancashire greeting card shops are set to close this week after a firm went into administration.

Card Warehouse operates stores in Blackburn, Accrington, Burnley, Darwen and Colne.

All are now either closed or closing this week with all staff losing their jobs.

The firm, which is owned by the Peterborough-based Celebrations Holdings Group, went into administration in October last year.

Rival company Card Factory has taken over 76 of the Card Warehouse stores nationwide but 212 are to close.

Shop workers union Usdaw said it was another blow following the closures of Woolworths branches in the area this week.

John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary, said: “We will work with Job Centre Plus, to find new vacancies, and Next Steps, a Government organisation that gives advice on careers.

“The union will also be in contact with local colleges, which will be offering free Skills for Life training.

“We value our members not only when they are in work, but when they have been put out of work.

"I would encourage any worker to join a union, as it is an insurance policy in what are increasingly difficult times.”

The closure has been felt in Accrington where Woolworths and Adams are among five town centre shops to close in the past week.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “If you want to see the real depth of the recession then come and see our town centre, after all the investment we’ve put in its heartbreaking to see the soul being ripped out of our town.”