A further 12 TJ Hughes stores are to close, administrator Ernst & Young has revealed.

The closures follow the 31 that have already shut. Closing down Sales will begin immediately at the latest tranche of shops in Bootle, Coventry, Corby, Romford, Redditch, Plymouth, Oldham, Derby, Scunthorpe, Belfast, Hanley and Warrington.

Ernst & Young joint administrator Tom Jack said: “A purchaser for these stores was not found, and regrettably we have had to schedule the store closures.  We are extremely grateful to the employees and management at all the group’s stores for their loyalty and support during this very difficult time.

“We are keen to stress that those stores unaffected by these closures will continue to trade for the time being.”

Six TJ Hughes stores have been snapped up by Lewis Home Retail, part of the supplier The Benross Group.