HUNDREDS of jobs could be lost at an iconic high street store after bosses filed for administration.

BHS, in Southend High Street, is one of 164 outlets nationwide threatened with closure as the retailer struggles with £1.3b of debt.

The retailer was bought last year for £1 by a consortium called Retail Acquisitions, headed by financier Dominic Chappell.

The group were in talks with Sports Direct to sell some of the stores, but they collapsed at the weekend when the firm balked at taking on a £571m pension deficit.

In a letter to staff, Mr Chappell said: "It is with a deep heart that I have to report, despite a massive effort from the team, we have been unable to secure a funder or a trade sale."

He added: "I would like to say it has been a real pleasure working with all of you on the BHS project, one I will never forget, you all need to keep your heads held high, you all have done a great job, but remember that it was always going to be very very hard to turn around."