A THREATENED Bonmarché store has been spared the axe saving 11 jobs.

The popular clothes shop, in Pier Avenue, Clacton, launched a closing down sale in December after administrators were called in.

The store was one of 317 shop across the country at risk along with nearly 3,000 jobs.

The move was seen as a another blow for Clacton town centre which has seen the closure of Marks & Spencer and Mothercare in recent times.

But Bonmarché has now announced the Clacton store is one of 265 to remain open under new owners, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group.

It said the store will continue to employ its 11 members of staff.

Sarah Nolan, store manager of Bonmarché in Clacton, said: “The store team are thrilled with the news we are remaining open.

“We would like to say a special thanks to all our customers for their support and messages of encouragement.”

Graham Webb, chairman of the Clacton Town Partnership, said he was happy Bonmarché would remain open.

“It’s wonderful news they will be staying,” he said.