Blockbuster Video in West Street, Gravesend, is one of those being saved

Retail jobs have been saved after the rescue of five countywide branches of the ailing Blockbuster DVD and video games chain.

Gordon Brothers Europe (GBE), a restructuring business, stepped in to buy 264 stores. They include those in Gravesend, Dover, Chatham, Folkestone and Margate.

Previous stores in Ashford, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Rainham and Tonbridge were not included in the sale.

Blockbuster collapsed into administration in January when it had 528 stores and a workforce of 4,190 staff.

It followed other high street retailers such as Comet, Jessops, HMV and Republic into administration, and became the latest high street casualty of online competition and digital downloads.

The sale to GBE for an undisclosed sum has saved 2,000 jobs nationally.

Administrators at Deloitte welcomed the deal. Lee Manning, joint administrator, said: “Having identified a profitable core portfolio of stores we are pleased to have achieved this sale for creditors.

“Together with the previously announced store sales, more than half of the original estate has been secured for ongoing use.

"This transaction provides Blockbuster a future in the UK and we owe a special vote of thanks to all the company’s employees, suppliers and customers for helping us rescue the business.”

GBE, which recently salvaged Republic, pledged substantial investment in the chain, to “fully utilise the existing trading platform, powerhouse brand and extensive customer database,” and offer new products, technologies and better retailing.

Former HMV commercial director Gary Warren is Blockbuster’s new managing director.

Frank Morton, GBE chief executive, said: “We acknowledge the industry is in transition; we know that we have a challenge ahead but there is still a market to be served.

"Blockbuster has a strong brand affinity and we believe that with the right mix of new product offering, new technologies, strategic management and marketing, we can bring new life to this high street staple.”