HUNDREDS of textiles workers face a gloomy future after bosses at a Wear Valley factory announced it faces closure.

Clothing manufacturer Sara Lee Courtaulds could close its factory in Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland, with the loss of 340 jobs, in October. Ten further jobs will be lost at its sister plant in Peterlee.

The failure to secure a new contract to make clothes for Marks and Spencer's exclusive Autograph range has led to the decision.

Roger Preston, chief executive of Courtaulds womenswear division, said: "We greatly regret having to make this proposal but we must recognise the competitive pressures we face.

"If the proposal is confirmed, we will provide help to employees to find alternative work or opportunities for retraining."

Derek Cattell, GMB union regional organiser, and national officer Des Farrell are meeting with Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster at the House of Commons this week. Mr Cattell said: "The factory has survived over 40 years and reinvented itself several times.

"We hoped it had found a niche in the market, producing smaller batches of designer clothes, which offered a sense of security.

"It's devastating news for the staff, many have given their working lives to the factory."

Senior shop steward Gail Johnson said: "We're absolutely devastated, loads of women here have families to support and there are single mums facing an awful struggle.

"The girls have adapted to everything they've had to do to keep the factory going when it has changed hands in the past."

Mrs Johnson also said the workers fear the work will go overseas.

Wear Valley District Council called a summit of economy experts, union officials and company bosses last Thursday to help the workers staring unemployment in the face.

Representatives from Wear Valley District and Durham County Councils, the Department of Trade and Industry, employment services, Sara Lee Courtaulds and One NorthEast vowed to try and find alternative work for the factory.

District Council leader Olive Brown said: "I can barely believe we're facing more job cuts in the area. There have been 450 since last January.

"Drastic action is needed from businesses and the Government to help industry in this region.

"We don't expect everything given to us on a plate, we've a very flexible and competent workforce, but we need more opportunities to help ourselves."