A Somerset-based shoe giant has announced plans to axe 170 jobs in the run up to Christmas.

Clarks, based in Street, has today announced the jobs are set to be cut from its offices around the world - but 80 are being lost in Street.

The cuts have been made following the appointment of a new CEO earlier this year, to support the 'brand strategy'.

The job loses does not affect the distribution centre operatives or the stores.

Bridgwater Mercury:

A spokesperson said: “Clarks has introduced changes to its business operations in order to support its brand strategy under the leadership of recently appointed CEO, Giorgio Presca.

"Today we have announced changes which affect the way our corporate teams across the world are structured which, regrettably will result in approximately 170 colleagues leaving the business globally.

"We are committed to working with all those affected by this decision to support them throughout this transition.

"These changes do not impact our distribution centre operatives or stores.”