A well-known estate agents in Norfolk has called in the administrators, blaming the recession and the slump in the property market for the decision.

Twenty-five full-time and 25 part-time jobs at Tops in Cringleford near Norwich are at risk.

Three divisions of the business have already been sold off including the auction house and a lettings agency.

Administrators Begbies-Traynor will now attempt to sell the residential arm of the business.

The founding director, Roger Lake, said: "This is a very sad day for the company and the staff who have given so much to help it prosper in past years.

"My hope is that their capabilities and experience will enable them to find new jobs soon.

"We have endeavoured to sell parts of the business as going concerns and have been successful with three segments. These efforts will continue under the control of administrators".