THE popularity of digital cameras has helped seal the fate of a Bury photo lab which could close in May with the loss of more than 100 jobs.

Colourcare, in Tile Street, is likely to shut its doors due to "economic reasons", say owners Kodak Processing Companies (KPC).

Staff have been given no formal notice of closure, but it is understood the laboratory could close in May, with some workers re-deployed.

The threat follows a business review by the owners. A statement said: "While KPC has introduced a number of initiatives to compete with on-site processing, the wholesale photofinishing business in the UK continues to decline.

"In common with the industry, KPC has experienced volume losses to on-site mini lab operations and the emergence of digital cameras which has affected the network.

"KPC aims to optimise the lab network to match geographical demand in the most efficient way".

Consultation with employees and their representatives is to start immediately and those affected by the likely closure.

Colourcare processes films for a network of photographic shops in the north west.