NEWPORT'S HMV store appears to have been saved after the company went into administration three months ago.

Although administrators Deloitte refused to comment on the Commercial Street shop, which employs 10 people, today staff displayed a banner stating: "We're here to stay! We're very pleased to announce that thanks to the support of our valued customers and landlord this store is staying open.

"Normal service will resume shortly - please bear with us while we refill the store."

On Saturday staff told customers that because of the overwhelming response to its 'blue cross' closing-down sale, the store was saved.

Newport city councillor for Stow Hill, Miqdad Al-Nuaimi said that if this is the case he welcomed the news.

He said: "I'm really pleased, we could do with some good news. At least that is one shop that is not going to depart."

Paul Flynn MP, who posted a picture of the poster to his Twitter account, said it would be good news for the city centre.

The Argus reported in January how Deloitte were appointed to keep stores open while it assessed the business and looked for any buyers.

A spokeswoman for administrators Deloitte said she could not comment on individual stores.

"Constructive discussions are ongoing which is allowing us to remain hopeful of a sale in the short term," she said.

At the time Deloitte said the closure of 37 stores would take place over four to six weeks alongside 66 others already subject to a closure programme.

The chain operates from 219 stores in the UK, including one outlet in Cwmbran which was not named as one of the stores set to close.