A SEAFOOD company is to close a North-East processing plant with the loss of 40 jobs.

Scotprime Seafoods is to run down its shellfish processing operation near the Sunderland fish quay with the closure expected by the end of next month.

The High Street East factory opened in 1994, mainly freezing prawns and processing other shellfish for export.

Scotprime, based in Ayr, announced record turnover of £32m in March and is said to regularly feature in Scotland's top 20 list of fast growing companies.

The decision to axe the Sunderland operation is described as being the result of, "a change in business strategy".

Managing director Ron Cook confirmed the planned closure with the loss of the 40-strong Wearside workforce, but said he would comment further on the decision in the near future.

Sunderland City Council said it "regrets" the decision, particularly in an area such as the East End and Hendon, which has a high level of unemployment.

A spokeswoman said the council's job linkage team would try to help the redundant workers find alternative employment.

"A job linkage team, specialising in helping people into training and job opportunities, is already well established in Hendon.

"They will be doing all they can to help those affected by the closure."

Retraining opportunities are also available through the Hendon and East End Back on the Map scheme, funded by the Government's New Deal for Communities initiative.