JOBS at off-licences across East Lancashire are unlikely to be affected by the sale of the Cellar 5 chain.

The Greenalls Group has sold its Cellars division for £56 million to a management buy-out team.

About 460 off-licences and convenience stores, including branches across East Lancashire, have been sold.

Lord Daresbury, chief executive of Greenalls Group, said: "The sale of our off-licence division further enables us to concentrate our financial and management resources on our pub and accommodation business."

It is not believed any of the East Lancashire stores will close as a result of the sale.

The Cellars chain also included Berkeley Wines, Greenalls Food Stores, Wine Cellars and Night Vision.

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