More jobs could be at risk in Kent after another national chain has gone into administration.

Focus DIY, which has stores in Sittingbourne and Ramsgate, made the announcement this afternoon.

In a statement yesterday, the company said it was seeking consent from its lenders to appoint Ernst & Young as administrators. This has now been done.

Meanwhile, its stores, including those in Kent, will remain open for at least another five days.

Founded in 1987 by Bill Archer, Focus DIY now has 179 stores across the UK and employs nearly 4,000 people.

The company is the latest to run into financial difficulty and follows the high-profile demise of high street chains Woolworths and Zavvi in recent years.