AN ITALIAN restaurant chain is set to keep its Oxfordshire branches open despite a raft of closures across the country.

Prezzo has announced it will close 94 'underperforming' restaurants as part of a restructuring arrangement in a bid to improve its financial position.

But the company's presence in Oxford Castle, Didcot's Market Place and Bicester's Pioneer Square will remain after those stores were not included in the full list of closures.

CEO John Hendry Pickup said: "We must take decisive action now to ensure we're able to thrive in the future."

Hundreds of people will lose their jobs as part of the changes.

Prezzo is the latest high street restaurant chain to experience difficulties, with Jamie's Italian, Byron and Strada already announcing closures.