THE future of a Hereford shop is looking brighter after a rescue deal was agreed for its sale.

The Body Shop, an iconic brand across the UK, has a shop in Commercial Street, Hereford. The business collapsed into administration in February this year, with the local shop facing a risk.

But the Hereford shop is among 113 around the UK to be bought in a deal with the Aurea group, and the manager has confirmed that it will continue to trade.

Hereford Body Shop's manager Trudy Utovou said: "The Body Shop Hereford store would like to share great news that we are saved and thankful for the Aurea group that has rescued us."

Aurea is owned by tycoon Mike Jatania, with a spokesperson for the investment firm telling the Sun: "As with any business, particularly one that has ended up in administration, there is a need to manage costs but we believe that the stores are an important part of the brand’s connection to its customers."

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The Body Shop went into administration into February, warning that hundreds of the 1,500 workers around the UK would lose their jobs with dozens of shops to be lost.

Since the firm went into administration, around 500 staff have lost their jobs and more than 270 head office roles have been cut. The Body Shop closed 82 branches in March and April.

The Body Shop was originally founded by Dame Anita Roddick in Brighton in 1976 to sell cruelty-free, fairtrade beauty products.