A RURAL firm has announced plans to close one of two factories in the region with the loss of 41 jobs.

Directors at Westler Foods, famous for its hot dogs, are blaming last year's foot-and-mouth crisis and cheap beef imports on continued losses.

The closure of Westler Beef Packers in Ryedale, North Yorkshire, will take place on September 8, but it will not affect the other factory at the Amotherby site, also in North Yorkshire, managing director Ian Hague said.

"Due to continued adverse trading conditions, the directors have announced their intention of closing the operations of Westler Beef Packers Ltd," he said.

"This decision will have no effect on any trading relationships with Westler Foods Ltd, which continues to trade profitably.

"Unfortunately, this decision will mean the loss of 41 jobs. However, every effort will be made to find jobs for those affected people, either within the company or with other local companies. Full consultation with all staff affected has been entered into with immediate effect."

The business, which employs more than 300 people, was established as a family firm in 1960.

The beef packing section of the factory was set up in 1970, serving supermarkets, wholesalers and food manufacturers with British beef.