A home furnishings firm was taken into administration just two days after a special party in honour of its late founder.

A question mark hangs over the jobs of the 57 people at the head office of The Pier at Milton Park, near Didcot, after it became the latest victim of the economic turmoil.

Administrators were called in just a year after the death of Alison Richards, 53, who had founded the firm in 1989.

She died from cancer last December, shortly after finding out she was to receive an OBE.

On Tuesday, a Christmas cocktail party was laid on to celebrate her life and achievements, including raising more than £27,000 for Unicef.

The Pier has 31 stores and 17 concessions across the country and employs about 400 staff.

Rod Weston, partner at Mazars and joint administrator, said: “The business will continue to trade as normal. We are now reviewing options and are seeking a buyer for the business as a going concern.”

Ms Richards sold The Pier in 2006 to Icelandic operator Lagerinn.