Easington MP John Cummings has offered his support to the workforce of a closure-hit east Durham tobacco processing plant.

Mr Cummings yesterday expressed his disappointment at the news that British American Tobacco was to close its Peterlee base.

He said: "The operation in Peterlee has been in existence for almost 20 years and I have visited it on a number of occasions.

"The workforce are first class and have consistently manufactured a high quality product."

"It is a personal blow for the people employed with the loss of 19 jobs. It is also a sad occasion for the town of Peterlee to lose such a prestigious company.''

But he said: "There is a consultation process to go through with management and trades unions representing the workforce and I would not wish to do or say anything that would prejudice that process.

"I am convinced, however, that British American will do everything possible to mitigate against the worst effects of the plant closure by offering redeployment where possible."

He said he was also confident that the District of Easington Economic Development Unit, in conjunction with the East Durham Development Agency and the local Employment Action Team, would do whatever they could to assist the workforce in finding alternative employment or retraining.

Mr Cummings said he had been in touch with the workforce through the tobacco workers' trades union to offer support and assistance during the consultation period.