House of Fraser's Carlisle department store has been saved.

It's a move that will safeguard almost 70 jobs that had been under threat after the imposing English Street store was earmarked for closure.

The decision to reverse the shutdown has been made by the struggling department's new owners, Sports Direct, headed by Mike Ashley.

It is one of a number of deals agreed to keep threatened stores open. Others include that on Oxford Street in London.

There are currently about 150 people who work at House of Fraser in Carlisle, all of whom faced losing their jobs.

The new deal will safeguard 67 posts, Sports Direct say. Those are understood to be people employed directly by House of Fraser rather than by operators of concessions.

In a statement, the company confirmed it had "agreed commercial terms" to remain at 26-40 English Street, a store that extends to 95,500sq ft.

"The quick conclusion not only saves a key store in Carlisle, it also gives House of Fraser the platform to invest properly in creating a sustainable long-term department store offer," an announcement added.

Political leaders had been quick to call for a reversal of the Carlisle closure decision after Mr Ashley's takeover, in a £90m deal.

City MP John Stevenson and Carlisle City Council leader Colin Glover each made strong representations to the business tycoon calling for the store - previously known as Binns - to be retained.

James Keany, head of national agency at CBRE, who acted on the negotiations, said: "This is another deal to add those agreed last week.

"The team have been working round the clock and over the bank holiday weekend to secure as many deals as possible safeguarding stores and jobs for the local communities across the country."