NEW pub group Definnitive Leisure has bought the Wessex Tavern chain of bars out of administration in a seven-figure deal.

Whitley Bay-based Definnitive Leisure, headed by the former Pubmaster chairman John Sands, has taken over all 30 establishments previously owned by Wessex.

The sites include Bacchaus and Club 2K, in Darlington, the Turk's Head, in Barnard Castle, the Hairy Lemon and Vienna, in Middlesbrough, Monaco, in Bishop Auckland and the Unicorn, in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

The move has saved the jobs of more than 400 staff employed by Wessex across its bars and Tyneside head office.

Mr Sands, who was the former non-executive chairman of Wessex, has taken control of the company, alongside former Wessex operations director Harry Costigan.

Wessex was placed into administration in March this year after experiencing what the company described as "corporate difficulties."

With the full support of financial backers Bank of Scotland, a share sale deal was completed last week with the new organisation taking on the debts as well as the assets of Wessex.

Mr Sands, from Teesside, said: "I am delighted that we have not only been able to save the business but also the jobs of more than 400 staff across the pubs as well as at the company's Tyneside head office.

"While the time in administration has been intense and, on occasion, a little uncertain, the company has come through the process relatively unscathed, thanks in no small part to Bank of Scotland who have been extremely helpful throughout these testing times.

"I'm also particularly pleased that by purchasing the company as a share sale we can honour creditors to the business, many of whom are locally-based North-East companies."