Scores of jobs are at risk after a women's fashion chain collapsed.

Jane Norman, which has outlets in Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Crawley, was put into administration.

Accountancy firm Zolfo Cooper is seeking a buyer for the stricken retailer, which employs more than 70 people in Sussex.

Analysts have suggested that Jane Norman could be sold quickly in a so-called pre-pack administration deal.

Department store chain Debenhams and knitwear firm Edinburgh Woollen Mill are reported to be among the potential bidders.

A spokeswoman for the administrators said: “We can confirm that Zolfo Cooper has been appointed as joint administrators to the Jane Norman women's fashion retail chain. “Following a period of testing trading conditions, the company has experienced severe cash flow difficulties which resulted in the board requesting the appointment of the administrators. Discussions continue with relevant parties and further detail will be provided when made available.”

Meanwhile Habitat's flagship store in Churchill Square is also in administration after the company behind Argos and Homebase bought the Habitat brand in the UK for £24.5 million.

The sale includes three stores in London but not the store in Churchill Square.

Habitat has pledged to fulfil all existing orders and promised all customer deposits will be fully protected.

Zolfo Cooper has also been appointed joint administrator for Habitat and pledged to keep the stores open while it assesses all possible options.

Fraser Gray, from Zolfo Cooper, said: “The company has been suffering from cash flow difficulties in recent months. This, combined with the current tough trading environment for retailers, has led to the need for our appointment.

“We are pleased to have secured an immediate sale of part of the business which represents the best return available to creditors at the present time.”

Nobody from the Brighton store was available to comment.

As reported by The Argus, the Homeform Group, the owner of Dolphin bathrooms and Moben kitchens, was put into administration last week.

Mothercare and Comet are also among regional retailers closing stores in the south.