Dixon Motors - one of the UK's biggest car dealerships - is to close more than half of its network of franchises with the loss of 800 jobs.

The Doncaster-based company went into administration last week, blaming a sharp fall in sales.

Administrator BDO Stoy Hayward has sold 19 of Dixon's 46 franchises to the UK's largest dealership owner, Pendragon.

The deal saves the jobs of 600 of the 1,400 staff in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire.

However, 27 of the company's sites, including the head office in Doncaster, are to close with immediate effect.

Dixon's franchises include Citroen, Ford, Peugeot, Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall, selling and leasing cars.

Graham Newton, business restructuring partner at BDO Stoy Hayward, said: "Since our appointment, we have carried out a business review and held discussions with all of the car manufacturers to try to secure the future of all of the dealerships.

"The successful sale of 19 dealerships will protect the future of 600 jobs across the region.

"Regrettably, in the time available, we have been unable to conclude any sales of the remaining dealerships within the group and, as a result, have no alternative but to close 27 sites with immediate effect, resulting in 800 job losses." The administrators have set up a free helpline to deal with customer inquiries on 0800 612 1340.