UK butchers chain Dewhursts has been plunged into administration, blaming stiff competition from the major supermarkets.

West Country firm Lloyd Maunder, which bought the firm in 2005 said Dewhurst had suffered a substantial fall in trading in the past six months and had been hit by hikes in rent and energy bills.

Dewhurst is to close 60 of its remaining 95 shops, while administrators BDO Stoy Hayward hope to sell the rest.