HUNDREDS of clothing workers have begun a week's annual holiday with the threat of closure hanging over their factory.

More than 350 shocked employees at Bentwood in Leigh -- one of the biggest employers in the area and a major manufacturer of Marks and Spencer branded swimwear, nightwear and lingerie -- learned of plans to close the sewing factory on the eve of their annual September break.

A statement issued by Bentwood's parent company, Stirling Group PLC, which also has a factory in Bolton, said: "In order to manage production in line with market conditions, it has been essential to announce the proposed closure of the Leigh factory.

"The site will continue to manufacture for some time yet, during which consultations will take place."

Bolton-based GMB branch secretary Graham Wells, speaking on behalf of workers at the Leigh factory, said: "Everyone is very shocked at the announcement.

"This is Bentwood's largest factory with a big, multi-skilled workforce producing high quality work for not the highest levels of pay. What else do they want us to do? Bentwood is one of the town's biggest employers.

"They are a good workforce and in the 10 years I've looked after them there has never been a strike. The North-west used to be a hive of activity in the clothing industry, but successive governments have done nothing to halt the decline."

Mr Wells said he was pleased to hear the government had stepped in to back the region's car workers, but added: "The clothing and textile industry gets nothing."

Further discussions between management, employees and union representatives and are planned for October 1.