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Jessops, the 85-year-old camera store chain which was rescued by Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones, could be sold in a bid to secure its future.

The retailer, which has its roots in the city of Leicester, was bought out of administration by the celebrity entrepreneur six years ago.

The PA is reporting sources close to Jessops saying Mr Jones had received unsolicited approaches to buy the chain and was holding early-stage talks with the suitors.

It is understood he is also continuing to negotiate a rescue deal with landlords after more than a month of discussions to cut rents and potentially shut stores across the 46-store chain – including one in the Highcross shopping centre in the city where it was founded.

The news comes after JR Prop Ltd, the leasehold property estate manager, filed a notice of intention to appoint Resolve as administrators last month.

Mr Jones, best known as an investor on the BBC show Dragons’ Den, secured a two-week extension to the notice, but talks have continued as he looks to secure a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) with landlords and creditors.

While the store estate business is facing an uncertain future, the holding company of the retail operations – Jessops Europe – remains unaffected by the planned administration.

The business was bought by Mr Jones and other investors in 2013 after it collapsed into administration, leading to the closure of all its 187 stores and the loss of almost 1,500 jobs.