A high-street cards and gifts chain may be forced to close several of its shops to avoid administration.

Card chain Clintons is considering plans to shut 38 shops after calling in experts to help the business secure its future.

There are three locations in Norfolk including one in Chantry Place, one in Castle Quarter and another in King's Lynn.

The business is looking at a move which could see the firm swap its debt for equity and shut down about a fifth of its estate of 179 shops, according to the Times.

READ MORE: Will any Wilko stores in Norfolk close down?

The newspaper reported that the business had considered a merger deal with rival Paperchase earlier this year.

However, Paperchase was bought by Tesco in January after it entered administration, and its stores ultimately closed for good.

Clintons is among retailers affected by low high street footfall and competition from online rivals.

It comes a day after budget retailer Wilko confirmed it had appointed administrators, putting the future of its 400 stores and roughly 12,000 staff at risk.

Clintons has been contacted for comment.