Disgruntled Southend customers who feared they would lose money when furniture giant Courts collapsed will now receive their orders.

Scores of angry customers called the Echo after news the retailer had been put in the hands of the administrators saying they were owed thousands of pounds.

Angry customers even stormed the store in Heron Retail Park, Basildon, demanding answers.

However, SB Capital, owners of the Furnitureland chain and half of Land of Leather, have announced they will take over the business.

And the US group has promised to honour the orders of all 50,000 customers who paid Courts money but did not receive their goods before the company went bust owing £280million.

For the full story, see today's Echo.