Troubled retailer Mothercare has confirmed it is closing 50 stores, putting around 800 jobs at risk.

The company has secured a voluntary agreement with its creditors to lower rents at its shops that will remain open as it seeks to generate more online sales.

It employs about 3,000 staff across 137 outlets nationwide, including three in Kent - at Bluewater, Canterbury and Maidstone.

Its store at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells closed earlier this month and stores in Ashford and Sittingbourne have also shut in recent years.

Mothercare said it was unable to comment on individual store closures.

"We regret having to close stores and the impact this will have on colleagues," said a spokesman.

"However, we had no alternative to executing a CVA (company voluntary arrangement).

"The business was in an unsustainable situation and was in clear need of an appropriate resolution and the comprehensive measures announced on 17th May, and approved by the company’s creditors on 1 June, provide a renewed and stable financial structure for the business, and will allow Mothercare to accelerate its adaptation to the shifting dynamic towards online."