The administrators of independent grocer Stokes has sold five stores to Argyle Trading.

The deal includes Stokes stores in Bath, Brixham, Cowley, Dawlish and Paignton, and will preserve 59 jobs.

Richard Hill, joint administrator and partner at KPMG said:  “We are pleased to be able to announce the sale of these five stores, saving 59 jobs and allowing these well-established South West stores to continue trading. 

“We are still following up interest in a number of the closed stores and, if successful, I would hope that some of the former employees from these stores may get their jobs back.”