SEVERAL Kwik Save stores throughout the Bury area, which were previously under threat of possible closure, are to remain open.

Supermarket bosses have pulled down the "for sale" signs hanging over 350 Kwik Save stores across the country.

And they have vowed to give the discount brand a new lease of life.

This week's announcement secures the future of more than 700 Kwik Save stores in total as the company backs the "no frills" style supermarket.

Kwik Save has several stores in the area, including Bury, Whitefield, Radcliffe and Ramsbottom.

Simon Hughes, managing director, said: "In this, our 35th year as the UK's biggest discount supermarket, we are delighted to tell our customers that Kwik Save will continue to operate."

The decision was taken following the appointment of a new chief executive.

Kwik Save stores had been under threat for some time after the company came under the ownership of the Somerfield supermarket chain.