All 41 staff at Pheon Press in Whitchurch have been made redundant after the company closed its doors and appointed administrative receivers.

A spokeswoman for administrative receivers Keith Stout & Associates said the company had been unable to recover from "severe financial difficulties".

The firm was appointed at the request of Pheon's debenture holder and major investor, Martin Robinson.

"We are still trying to sell the business as a going concern, and have had several enquiries, but will take a final decision on the situation early next week," said the spokeswoman.

Pheon's last full-year accounts, to 30 April 2000, showed sales of 3.2m and a pre-tax loss of 47,236.

Story by Andy Scott