THE Hove branch of DIY retailer Homebase has been spared from closure.

Last week the firm announced plans to shut up to 80 stores up and down the country.

And yesterday it revealed which 42 stores would face the axe, putting up to 1,500 jobs at risk.

But the branch on Old Shoreham Road was not on the list.

The firm, which has 241 stores, said the affected outlets would be shut over the next 16 months.

Damian McGloughlin, chief executive of Homebase, said: "This has been a difficult decision and one that we have not taken lightly.

"Homebase has been one of the most recognisable retail brands for almost 40 years, but the reality is we need to continue to take decisive action to address the underperformance of the business and deal with the burden of our cost base, as well as to protect thousands of jobs."

A total of 17 Homebase stores have already closed this year and 303 jobs have been cut at its head office.