Almost 40 bidders have made offers for Allders, the retailer that went into administration 10 days ago, according to Kroll, the firm's administrator.

Alastair Beveridge, administrator of the UK retail chain, said: "We received a total of 72 expressions of interest for the business and 52 sales packs were sent out as a result. As of this morning, we have received a total of 36 separate bids, either for the entire business or for parts of it. It is very pleasing to have received such a high level of interest and that this interest has been translated into offers."