More than 1,500 jobs are set to go at Carpetright after a rescue deal by the founding family saved only part of the company.

Flooring group Tapi - which was set up by a member of the Harris family behind Carpetright - has agreed to buy 54 stores as well as the brand, intellectual property and two warehouses.

But the deal saves only 308 or the 1,898 staff leaving 1,590 facing the axe, with 219 of the 273 stores closing along with its head office in Purfleet in Essex.

Lord Harris of Peckham founded Carpetright in 1988 before selling his stock and stepping down as a director ten years ago.

His son, Martin Harris, co-founded its competitor Tapi a year later in 2015.

Harris left Tapi last year but his father remains an investor and adviser.

Kevin Barrett, boss of Carpetright owner Nestware Holdings, said it was 'truly sorry' it had not been able to save more jobs.