Gourmet Burger Kitchen is on the brink of closing several restaurants, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

The company, which has three sites in Kent, announced plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement, a controversial insolvency process which allows it to shut loss-making locations and negotiate rent reductions with landlords.

It is understood 17 restaurants could be closed if the process is approved by creditors, potentially costing 250 jobs.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen's owner Famous Brands has hired accountancy firm Grant Thornton to oversee the process.

Its three restaurants in the county are in Bluewater, Canterbury and Maidstone.

Overall, the company employs around 2,000 people at 80 sites.

It said in a stock market announcement: "A decision has been taken by the board of GBK to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) process with the assistance of Grant Thornton.

"The CVA process has the objective to ensure financial viability and the sustainability of the business into the future."