BUTCHERS chain Crawshaw has been sold to meat entrepreneur Tom Cribbin for £1.4 million.

Crawshaw fell into administration in October after it failed to secure emergency funding, leading to the closure of stores in Blackburn and Burnley.

Eighteen people lost their jobs in East Lancashire following the collapse of the beleaguered butchery chain.

Nine workers apiece were made redundant after it was confirmed that their stores in Blackburn and Burnley were among the 35 to be axed.

On Monday, the group said that its last remaining 19 stores and its Hellaby production and distribution facility have been sold to Loughanure, which is controlled by Mr Cribbin.

Through Cribbin Family Butchers, Mr Cribbin previously operated a chain of butchers stores in the Republic of Ireland and sold Gabbotts Farm to Crawshaw in 2015.

The rescue comes after Crawshaw closed 35 stores and one distribution centre in November, resulting in the loss of 350 jobs.

The collapse of the company, which saw a period of rapid expansion, came after several years of financial losses.

Their store in Railway Road, Blackburn, opened in February 2016 after a £250,000 investment.

This was followed by their second East Lancashire opening, in St James Street, Burnley, the following July.

According to the group’s latest set of results though, for the six months to July 29, the group posted revenue of £21.6 million and a pre-tax loss of £1.7 million.

Charles King, joint administrator from EY said: “This sale represents the best outcome for creditors, employees and shareholders of the group.

"The team were able to stabilise the business in order for a sale to occur and we received substantial interest from over 50 interested parties.

"I am pleased that this sale secures 240 jobs. I would like to thank all those involved with the sale and wish Tom Cribbin every success with the business.”

Mr Tom Cribbin, majority owner of Loughanure said: “I am looking forward to working with the staff and supporting them in delivering quality products, great service and fantastic value for money to all our customers. I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the staff and customers for their loyal support to the business.”