This is was the reaction from leading figures yesterday:

* Prime Minister and Sedgefield MP Tony Blair said: "This is a tragedy. We will work to help employees find other jobs and make sure they are properly looked after."

* John Edmonds, general secretary of the GMB union, said: "Once again, we see a British company unable to compete with foreign competitors because they are effectively attempting to do so with one hand tied behind their backs.

"It is another example of why there needs to be an early campaign over the single currency."

* Derek Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, said: "Black & Decker have treated workers with contempt, first by refusing to give unions access to the plant and now by sending their jobs overseas.

"This is just the sort of activity we need to stamp down on."

* Jonathan Blackie, regional director of the Government Office North-East, said: "The announcement is a great blow for the North-East as the Spennymoor plant is one of the region's biggest manufacturing sites.

"We do not underestimate the impact this news will have. However, some of the high-skilled, high-quality jobs are staying at Spennymoor and this must be welcomed."

* Durham County Council leader Ken Manton said: "The support we have offered includes the largest single financial contribution we have ever made in this sort of situation, and will help the company retrain and re-skill remaining staff and to help identify new job markets.

"Sadly, we have been unable to prevent the significant job losses."

* Durham County Council councillor Neil Foster, whose Tudhoe ward covers the plant's site, said: "The announcement should not be taken as a reflection on the Black & Decker workforce, who have an enviable and well deserved reputation for flexibility and commitment.

"That sort of loyalty and commitment deserves recognition and we shall do everything we can to help the workers and the community overcome the impact of today's announcement."

* Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster said: "This is a body blow for Spennymoor, bearing in mind that only a few years ago this factory employed 2,300 people.

"There was optimism, we were going places. This is a measure of the turnaround today."

* Kenny Smith, a 41-year-old employee who has been with the company for 12 years, said: "There's been a lot of rumours going round for the last six or 12 months and it's been confirmed today.

"There's not a lot we can do about it."

* Sedgefield Borough Council leader Brian Stephens said: "We will be looking for the Government to be bold in supporting partners in County Durham to address the real economic disadvantages facing the county. The borough council is committed to working with Durham County Council, One NorthEast, Black & Decker, the Learning Skills Council and Job Centre Plus to establish a local response group to find alternative jobs and training."

* One North-East chairman Dr John Bridge said: "The news that so many people are to lose their jobs is a blow for Spennymoor and the region's manufacturing base.

"One NorthEast has done everything within the limits of its powers to try and save as many jobs as possible."

* North-East Labour Euro MP Stephen Hughes said: "This is deeply disappointing and a terrible blow, especially after other closures and slimming down which has been experienced in the area in recent years."

* Michael Bird, the chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, said: "The loss of 950 jobs is a major blow for the region's economy and for workers at Spennymoor.

"Black & Decker have been one of the North-East's leading manufacturers for many years and the announcement is a further setback for the manufacturing sector in our region."