The department store chain Beales was on the brink of collapse this weekend as Mothercare and Debenhams shuttered shops after the worst year on record for the high street.

Beales, which was founded in 1881 and has its flagship store in Bournemouth and and a large outlet on Southport's Lord Street, is fighting to save more than 1,000 jobs.

The chain faces collapse if it fails to complete a sale.

Tony Brown, chief executive, said he hoped to secure the long-term future of its 22 shops. “It has been the most challenging time for retail on record,” he said.

“Christmas hasn’t delivered what we thought it would achieve.”