Troubled fashion brand Gap - which closed an outlet in Gloucester Quays - is to partner with rival Next to keep a presence in the UK.

Beginning in 2022, the companies are entering into a joint franchise partnership with Gap product on the Next website, as well as Gap-branded 'shop-in-shops' at flagship Next locations and extensive click-and-collect options for online customers.

The move will keep some of Gap's physical presence on the High Street after the brand announced in July it would close all its UK stores.

Next signed a similar deal with clothing brand Reiss earlier in the year.

A new online platform allows it to run sales for other fashion brands including Victoria's Secret and Childsplay Clothing.

The deal means that the Gap.co.uk and creative input is preserved but the back-end operation including distribution is managed by Next.

Next takes a 51% share of the new venture. Gap customers will be able to use Next's click-and-collect service at the company's 500 stores.