MP Ruth Kelly has stepped in after it was announced more than 200 jobs are to be lost by a sewing factory closure.

The Bolton West MP has urged other firms to contact the factory in Horwich to offer work to the 220 employees.

Ms Kelly said: "I was very sorry to hear that Horwich Sewing is set to close. It has been a valuable employer for a number of years now."

The MP met with Horwich Sewing managing director David Brookes after the closure was made known.

She was told that a number of firms had already made initial inquiries about staff availability.

And she has been assured by Mr Brookes that he is doing his best to find jobs for staff.

She said the workers were highly skilled and the firm had encouraged staff to train to NVQ level 2. Ms Kelly added: "With skilled staff like this looking for future employment, I would urge firms to contact Mr Brookes as soon as possible."

The factory, which makes workwear for clothing company Kimberly-Clark, is to close in mid-July. Four people will remain in a business support unit.

The strong pound and cheap imports from the Far East prompted the transfer of production to Slovakia.

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