THOUSANDS of jobs are at risk including those in Cumbria after retailer Bargain Booze announced it would go into administration.

The chain's owner, Conviviality, announced unless "circumstances change" administrators would be appointed in the next 10 days.

More than 2,500 people are employed by Conviviality at its Bargain Booze branches, as well at its other holdings including Wine Rack.

There are 15 branches of Bargain Booze across Cumbria. The highest concentration of shops are found in Barrow and Carlisle which have four each. Other areas with branches include Ulverton, Kendal, Penrith and Millom.

In a market announcement, Conviviality said: "Following discussions with its lending banks, the board has resolved to file notice of intention to appoint administrators to the company.

"Unless circumstances change, and in accordance with statutory requirements, the board intend to appoint administrators within 10 business days."

Over the past few weeks, the firm has seen its chief executive Dianna Hunter step down after issuing a string of profit warnings and revealing a £30 million tax bill.

Conviviality was forced to go cap in hand to investors to raise £125 million as a result, but it has been unable to convince them of its long-term future.