SAINSBURY'S has defended the company's decision to keep open its Argos concession in its Hankridge Farm store in Taunton.

All non-essential shops across the UK have been closed under emergency regulations brought in to stem the coromavirus outbreak.

Sainsbury's is allowed to keep its doors open as the ban does not cover supermarkets and food shops.

The business has denied exploiting a loophole in the legislation to continue selling items at its in-store Argos outlets, including at Hankridge Farm.

A Sainsbury's spokesman rold the BBC: "Like many other online retailers, we are selling essential products for the millions of people now living and working entirely from home.

"This includes products for the home office, for educating and entertaining children and for adults to stay fit and entertained at home.

"We are then strongly advising customers to have these delivered to their homes.

"We also have an option to collect from Sainsbury's supermarkets while doing an essential food shop."

The Taunton Argos concession is only accepting pre-payment for goods.