Two hundred jobs have been saved at a prize-winning chain of Midland butchers. The Walter Smith shops across the region are continuing to trade following a restructuring managed by accountants and business advisers PKF.

The business, which dates back to the 19th Century, has won numerous awards for its pies, sausages, home-cured bacon, cooked & fresh meats.

With its headquarters in Birmingham, it has 20 stores in total.

In Birmingham there are shops in Boldmere, the Bull Ring, Erdington, Great Barr, Handsworth, Harborne, Kingstanding, Northfield and Sheldon.

Elsewhere there are outlets in Bilston, Brierley Hill, Coventry, Derby, Dudley, Knowle, Lichfield, Stourbridge, Tamworth, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.

Matthew Gibson and Brian Hamblin, from PKF's Manchester and Birmingham offices respectively, were appointed joint administrators of Walter Smith (Birmingham) Limited.

Mr Gibson and Mr Hamblin stated: "The company entered into administration to allow a restructuring to take place which will allow the business to go forward and be more competitive in a tough market place.

"The trade and assets were purchased from the administrators by the existing directors and management team. The restructuring has secured all 200 jobs.

All 20 stores will remain open allowing continued supply to the public and continued custom to suppliers."

GA Smith opened his first butchers shop in Hospital Street in Birmingham in 1885. Young Walter took it over in 1905 and began to develop the chain which exists today.

The business has always prided itself on using quality locally-sourced meat, award-winning products and home made recipes.