UP to 19 workers are to be made redundant at a company manufacturing aeroplanes.

Jeff Bevan, managing director of Slingsby Aviation, at Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, confirmed the job losses. He said the staff were told of the redundancies last week and those concerned were being told this week.

He said: "The individuals in question will be aware that they are at risk. They will probably be leaving the company early next month, but that is still to be confirmed.

"The reason for the redundancies is that it is just generally difficult to fill the place with work at the moment."

The mayor of Kirkbymoorside, Councillor Nigel Rich-ardson, said it was a devastating blow to the town.

"I thought they had a good contract on to make about 40 planes," he said.

"Obviously, it has taken the wind out of my sails - I thought they were good for the next couple of years. My brother works there and I used to work there myself.

"At the end of a deadline, people knew there was a chance they would get laid off for a bit, but more work always came in. This is not good news for the town, especially with the financial climate today the way it is."