DIY giant Homebase is closing 42 stores across the UK, including the branch in Poole's Tower Park.

The retailer will be closing the stores later this year via a company voluntary arrangement in a bid to stave of administration, although the move puts some 1,500 jobs at risk.

The list of stores does not include others in Dorset, but branches in Hedge End, Bristol and Exeter are all included.

Homebase boss Damian McGloughlin said: "We now have the platform to turn the business around and return to profitability. This has been a difficult time for many of our team members and I am very grateful for their continued support and hard work.

"We can look to the future with great confidence, and we will be working closely with our suppliers to capitalise on the opportunities we see in the home improvement market in the UK and Ireland."

The firm said it would try to redeploy affected staff. Since February 16 Homebase stores have closed, and 303 jobs have been axed at the head office in Milton Keynes.