MORE than 60 jobs are under threat today after a Weymouth-based company went into administration.

Ocean To Earth, with nine branches including one in St Mary Street, Weymouth, sells surf and lifestyle clothing.

Owner Rob Cross said more than 60 jobs were affected across the country including 10 at Weymouth.

He added: "We have decided to go into administration because of very poor trading results in the High Street.

"Everyone is feeling the pinch with people trying to pay off their credit cards and the money just doesn't seem to be there any more."

Mr Cross founded his company in Weymouth in 1991 and the business rapidly expanded to include other branches in Yeovil, Bideford, Taunton, Salisbury, Chippen-ham, Andover, Camberley and Street.

He said: "I think that once the administrator has had a look at our operation we should find out where things are going in about a week.

"We have decided to take expert advice now in the hope that we can save several of the stores, especially the largest concerns which are in Weymouth and Yeovil."

All nine shops including the St Mary Street site were locked up and closed for business yesterday.

Mr Cross said: "They may reopen at some stage during the week but that is up to the administrator. All staff have been paid up to date but it is an awful feeling to see the company I have put so much effort into brought to this state.

"I don't think it is the end of the road but we must take stock of the situation we find ourselves in and try to find a way forward for the sake of the company and the many staff we employ.

"I think there is a way forward, but at this stage it is not for me to say. We have to take legal advice and then act on it."

At its peak Ocean to Earth had an annual turnover of more than £5 million.

Mr Cross said: "We opened a brand new store in Weymouth in St Mary Street in March and there was no sign of any problems in the trade then.

"Everything has fallen down over the last six months and many other businesses are also feeling the pinch because of problems in the High Street."