One of the largest department stores in Worthing has been sold for £1.9 million - and there are plans to give it a makeover.

The takeover of Bentalls was announced to management and staff, who have been assured their jobs are safe.

Beales of Bournemouth paid £5.7 million for Bentalls and two other stores in Ealing and Tonbridge, to add to their list of nine.

Beales chief executive Michael Mitchell has promised investment and improvements.

The takeover will be completed in March, subject to the approval of shareholders.

Shoppers will at first see little difference, apart from the name change to Beales.

All members of staff will transfer to contracts with the new owners and many of the concessions will remain the same.

Mr Mitchell said: "We are absolutely delighted at the prospect of acquiring Bentalls.

"We believe the store has a bright future and very much look forward to working with the staff and management in the store and serving customers in Worthing.

"Our intention over a period is to invest in the store and improve it."

Beales was founded in Bournemouth in 1881 and has stores nationwide.