Shop jobs have been saved with the sale of three Kent branches of a national photoprocessing chain.

Administrators of the Glasgow-based Bowie Castlebank Group have sold 187 of the group’s Max Spielmann and KlickPhotopoint shops - including Gravesend (St George’s Centre), Strood and Faversham - to Timpson, the family-owned shoe repair to keycutting chain.

The firm’s problems were blamed on advances in digital photography, causing losses in the photoprocessing business.

More than 800 people were laid off after the business went into administration in early December, and around 100 branches closed.

Blair Nimmo, head of restructuring for KPMG in Scotland and joint administrator, said: "I am delighted we have managed to sell a significant part of the business as a going concern.

"Not only has this saved 545 jobs, but the sale also ensures existing customers will continue to be serviced and the landlords and suppliers will have ongoing business."

He added: "Since our appointment on December 2, the commitment on the part of employees in particular and the customers in working with us to preserve the business has been exceptional.

"This sale represents a fantastic result for everyone involved, and we would like to wish the business every success in the future."

John Timpson, chairman of Timpson, added: "The strength of our core shoe repair business has given us the chance to expand our reputation for unique customer care into another part of the high street.

"We see this as a great opportunity to apply the successful Timpson culture to another service business."

The acquisition will become a standalone division of the Timpson Group and headed by David Edwards who will market the shops under the "Max" banner.