POWERHOUSE Retail has saved 139 jobs in the North-East by taking over ten ScottishPower stores.

The Cambridge-based group has acquired 99 ScottishPower stores, securing the jobs of more than 1,500 people. ScottishPower is moving out of retail to concentrate on energy.

The North-East stores transferring to Powerhouse include two sites at the Teesside Retail Park and at the Team Valley in Gateshead, and stores at Mercia Retail Park, Durham, Skipper Lane Retail Park, Middlesbrough, Clifton Moor, York, Plumpton Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Sunderland Retail Park and Cramlington, Northumberland.

The stores will be rebranded under the Powerhouse name, with extra emphasis on service and product expertise.

The acquisition fulfills the aim of Powerhouse to become the UK's third largest electrical retailer with more than 230 superstores and high street stores across the UK.

It also hopes to create additional positions at new central support and warehouse bases.