Staff working in the Toys R Us branch in Chatham are facing fresh uncertainty as the high street chain prepares to appoint administrators.

It is understood the decision will threaten more than 3,000 jobs nationwide and comes as the company seeks to find a buyer in the hope of paying a £15 million VAT bill that is due on Tuesday.

The toy giant earlier announced plans to close 26 stores nationally in the spring, including one at Tunbridge Wells, with the loss of about 800 jobs.

Its store in Chatham was not previously earmarked for closure.

The company earned an 11th hour reprieve in December as its debt restructuring plans were approved by creditors and stores continued to trade during Christmas and into the New Year.

However, trading was said to have been weak during what is a key period.