The centres are in Banbury in Oxfordshire, Churchdown in Gloucestershire, Cowbridge in Glamorgan, Langstone in Monmouthshire and West Hagley in Worcestershire.

Mike Gilbert, director of estate agent Hammond Phillips, is looking to sell the £3 million-turnover group as individual centres to either independent buyers or developers.

Gary J Corbett and Colin Burke of Milner Boardman & Partners have been appointed joint administrators for the 100-year-old group, which began as a nursery.

Chairman Arthur Hurran said: "Selling the family business is a very difficult decision but unfortunately the current trading conditions coupled with a large pensions deficit have left us with no alternative."