THE latest move to save 13 jobs in York and 200 across the country has seen the family owners of Lakeland Leather reveal plans to work with a retail restructuring specialist.

Felldale Retail Ltd and its director, Martin Foster, has bought the stocks, assets and Lakeland Leather trading name from the administrators and is now working to save each store from closure, including York's Stonegate shop.

Mr Foster said: "We face some short-term challenges as the Lakeland business was massively overstocked following poor sales caused by the recent mild winter weather.

"I've set the business a challenge to quickly sell £1 million worth of leather stocks including jackets, handbags and luggage. We need these sales to help prevent the specialist leather retailer from disappearing from our high street."

Richard Standring, the founder of Lakeland Leather, said: "Felldale Retail Ltd has bought us time and given us a fighting chance to save Lakeland Leather. We're confident in Martin's expertise and our plans to help us fight tooth-and-nail to survive.

"Since news of our potential closure broke we've been overwhelmed by the amazing spirit of our staff and the lifesaving support of our customers.

"It's been a really bitter sweet experience but if this level of support continues we might have a future."

Mr Foster added: "The Standring family's passion to save the business, and the positive reaction we've had from staff and loyal customers, tells me this business is worth fighting for."

On June 13 administrators McTear Williams & Wood closed four stores, in K-Village in Kendal, Spalding, Gloucester and Antrim in Northern Ireland, with the loss of 20 jobs.