Plants in Hull and Redcar had warned they would close without support after deal to allow US ethanol to come in tariff-free.

For many people, the stores defined their childhood. Now they are due to come back.

They welcome a call for under-22s in England to get free bus passes to help them into work and education.

The company estimates that shoplifting costs its business around £20m each year.

Warburtons is the current market leader and the deal needs approval from the competition watchdog.