More than 100 people have signed a petition to save the M&S store in Ashford.

Forty-one jobs were put at risk after Marks and Spencer announced the closure of its Ashford branch earlier this month.

The proposed closures are part of M&S’s programme to reshape its UK store estate and last year, the company confirmed it would close 100 stores across the country over the next four years.

M&S has since announced that the majority of staff will keep their jobs - but it has not been revealed where the new roles will be based.

Jennie Lewis launched the petition on Sunday, asking retail director Sacha Berendji to keep the high street store open.

It has so far attracted 107 signatures.

On the change.org page, Ms Lewis wrote: "Marks and Spencer has announced the proposed closure of its store in Ashford town centre. If the store closes it will be a great loss to our community.

"The store and its staff are a real asset, enjoyed by many and for some it’s a lifeline.

"The staff are wonderful, helpful, considerate and compassionate which is becoming a rare treat in today’s retail experience.

"To consider closing the store at a time when Ashford is experiencing unprecedented growth and more visitors to its town centre seems short-sighted."

M&S has an 85-year association with the town centre - and 2019 marks its 40th year in its current high street spot.

The clothing, homeware and food retailer's first site in the town centre was an imposing white building, which required the demolition of a newsagent and men's tailor before it could open on May 29, 1934.

When M&S moved out, it became a Barclays bank and Cordon Bleu Frozen Foods, which later became Iceland.

It moved from its original position at 64-66 High Street to its current location in County Square on March 5, 1979.

Then known as the Tufton Centre, Marks & Spencer performed the role of flagship store until the mall's extension in 2007 - when Debenhams took over as the anchor store.

Marks & Spencer still has a store at the Designer Outlet - and in 2017 a Foodhall opened on the Warren Retail Park near Sainsbury's.

To sign the petition, click here.