THE owner of a top fashion brand who grew up in Andover is set to file for administration as one of a number of high street retailers affected by the impact of the coronavirus.

Cath Kidston has announced that 950 jobs are at risk at the company, while department store Debenhams, which has a branch in Basingstoke, is also expected to appoint administrators.

Cath Kidston, best known for its floral designs, was founded by the woman of the same name who grew up in Andover before moving to London aged 18.

The company employs 941 people, 820 of whom have been furloughed under the government’s employee payment scheme. It was in the middle of a turnaround plan before the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in all its shops having to shut.