An independent chain has taken over the running of another two Isle of Wight town pharmacies.

Jhoots Pharmacy has added the now-former Lloyds pharmacies, in both East Cowes and Ryde, to its existing list of Island branches.

In March, the County Press revealed the pharmacies on Ryde Esplanade and Church Path, East Cowes, were set to be bought by the business.

That move has now been confirmed. It is thanks to a £17.4m funding package, which has been secured with support from HSBC UK.

Read more: Isle of Wight set to lose last LloydsPharmacy branches

The funding has helped Jhoots acquire 36 pharmacies across the country, including the two on the Island.

It is expected to safeguard jobs and create new roles.

Sarbjit Jhooty, Business Development Director at Jhoots Pharmacy, said: “We were looking for the right banking partner to support our business and our vision to grow into a larger pharmacy chain.

"With HSBC UK’s backing, we’re committed to providing a service that puts the community first, with a strong face-to-face approach that will offer enhanced support to local areas.”

Jhoots already has premises in Sandown and Ventnor.