More than 60 jobs at four Kent outlets of lingerie chain La Senza have been saved.

Stores in Canterbury (10 jobs), Tunbridge Wells (12), Maidstone (10), and Bluewater (35) will remain open after the business - founded by Dragons' Den panellist Theo Paphitis - was bought from administrators KPMG by the Kuwait-based Alshaya group.

Under a so-called pre-pack administration, Alshaya UK acquired 60 La Senza UK stores, securing around 1,100 jobs.

But 84 stores and 18 concessions will close with the loss of 1,300 jobs. None is thought to be in Kent.

Alshaya UK already operates franchises for several fashion retailers including H&M, Next and Oasis.

Richard Fleming, joint administrator and UK Head of Restructuring at KPMG, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to rescue part of La Senza UK and such a large number of jobs, given the negative economic pressures faced by retailers in the UK. This deal recognises the value of La Senza as a strong and popular high street brand with a loyal customer base."

Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of Alshaya Group, said: "This is the first step in a long-term commitment to developing the La Senza UK business, which we believe has great potential."