Comet's Gravesend store is one of those under threat

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Hundreds of jobs at eight Comet branches across the county are at risk as the electrical retailer prepares to go into administration.

The struggling company went to the High Court today to file notice it will appoint administrators next week - leaving the 6,000-strong nationwide workforce under threat.

The chain, which has 240 stores, was bought for just £2 less than a year ago by the private investment firm OpCapita.

But it is thought to have made losses of £35million.

The county's outlets are in Ashford, Aylesford, Rochester, Tunbridge Wells, Margate, Canterbury, Folkestone and Gravesend.