TROUBLED fashion brand Joules, who run a number of stores in Cumbria, has confirmed that 19 of its shops are to be shut by administrators on Thursday.

The chain was bought out of administration by rival retailers Next and founder Tom Joule, but only around 100 of the 124 Joules stores were purchased as a part of the package

Administrators at Interpath Advisory have confirmed that 133 redundancies have been made as a result of Joules' rescue deal.

The deal will see Next own a 74 per cent stake in the business, with Tom Joule owning the remaining 26 per cent share.

Joules operates branches in Carlisle, Keswick, Kendal, Bowness, and Ambleside, but no announcement has yet been made about which of the 19 stores will close.

Will Wright, head of restructuring at Interpath Advisory, said: "Following a highly competitive process, we are pleased to have concluded this transaction which secures the future of this great British brand, as well as safeguarding a significant number of jobs.

"To have achieved this in such a short timetable is testament to the support we’ve received from employees, suppliers, and other key stakeholders throughout the administration process, so we’d like to express our profound thanks to everyone involved."

READ MORE: Cumbrian jobs at risk as retail chain brings in administrators

Founder Tom Joule said the business needs to 'recapture' the imagination of its customers again after it was announced he was teaming up with Next in a rescue deal for the clothes retailer.

Mr Joule said: "After three years away from the operational side, I'm truly looking forward to inspiring teams with clear direction to excite and recapture the imagination of the customer again.

"Our customers have always trusted us to lead, not follow, with products that reflect their lifestyle.

"It's important that we live up to the high standards they desire in design, quality and, with Next's Total Platform delivery and customer support proposition, the service they expect.

"I'm so pleased that we have been able to strike a deal that protects the future of the company for all its loyal customers, its employees and also for the town of Market Harborough, which have been so central to Joules' success."

The company drafted in administrators last month after failing to secure emergency funding following a surge in costs and slowdown in customers demand.