Lingerie chain La Senza - which operates a number of stores on the island of Ireland - plans to enter administration, the firm announced tonight.

Administrators could be appointed within the next 10 days, in accordance with the Insolvency Act, a spokeswoman for the company said.

She said: "Due to trading conditions in La Senza's high street locations and the overall macro environment which are having an adverse effect on the company, the board of directors of La Senza has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators."

The business will continue to trade as normal in the meantime and there have been no unplanned redundancies or store closures.

The spokeswoman added: "For the avoidance of doubt, the company is not currently in administration, and no administrator has been appointed.

"The company continues to work with KPMG to explore all options to safeguard the future of the company and its employees. Further announcements will be made in due course."

La Senza has 15 stores on the island of Ireland including a number of units situated in branches of Debenhams.