The Lakeside House of Fraser has been saved from the axe after a last-minute deal was struck to keep it open.

The chain store was earmarked for closure in November after new owners, Sports Direct, stepped in to buy the company but was unable to reach an agreement with Lakeside owners INTU, which is also home to stores in Norwich, Gateshead, and Nottingham.

But this morning, House of Fraser bosses announced all four outlets will remain open.

Mike Murray, head of 'elevation' at Sports Direct, said: “After the stalled talks with INTU we are happy to announce that we have come to an agreement that will help secure the future of House of Fraser INTU stores in Norwich, Metro Centre, Lakeside and Nottingham.

"This is great news for over a thousand employees whose jobs have now been saved.

"We would like to thank INTU and all of our colleagues for their hard work and patience throughout the past five months. This shows further commitment to the high street and the turnaround of House of Fraser.”

The good news comes as Patisserie Valerie announced its collapse, putting thousands of jobs at risk across the country, include in Southend, Lakeside, Chelmsford and Colchester.