Dozens of jobs are set to be axed after Poundworld administrators announced the closure of seven more Scots branches.

The chain, which employed around 5100 people at its peak, collapsed last month, and administrators Deloitte have been unable to find a buyer for the retail chain.

In total, 40 branches around the UK will close their doors on Tuesday, July 24 with the loss of 531 jobs.

The stores in Scotland that will close next week are in Aberdeen, Dunfermline, East Kilbride, Irvine Rivergate, Irvine Riverway, Perth and Robroyston.

Deloitte assured that discussions with interested parties for the potential sale of "part, or parts of the remaining business" were still ongoing.

Joint administrator Clare Boardman said: "We would like to thank all the employees for their continued support and commitment during this difficult time.

"We are keeping staff appraised of developments as they happen."

Last week it was announced that six stores including those in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Greenock, Inverness, Livingston and Dumfries are to shut.

Earlier this month, Deloitte announced that 105 stores would shut, impacting around 1200 jobs.

The latest store closures come as hopes for a rescue of the beleaguered retailer fade.

Deloitte has turned down a bid for Poundworld from its founder, Chris Edwards, who was looking to save a raft of stores and safeguard around 3000 jobs.

Mr Edwards, who founded the retailer in 1974, was critical of how his offer was received by Deloitte, and said he was "shocked and surprised" that he was turned away.

The founder of rival Poundland, Steven Smith, has also been linked to a bid to salvage part of Poundworld out of administration.

Deloitte has also made 100 people redundant at Poundworld's head office in Normanton, West Yorkshire.

Poundworld's collapse came amid falling footfall, rising costs and weak consumer confidence.

The budget retail chain, formerly owned by TPG Capital, is one of a number of retailers to call in administrators this year, with both Toys R Us and Maplin disappearing from UK high streets.