THE beer flowed and so did the tears as staff from Bentwood Brothers staged an "end of an era" party.

Around half of the 108 staff gathered at Heap Bridge Workingmen's Club as they clocked off for the last time following the company's decision to shut the 60-year-old factory in Bond Street, Bury.

Free entertainment was laid on by karaoke star Danny King and some female staff were reduced to tears as the party came to a close, with many remaining angry at the way they have been treated. A number of staff have already found new jobs around the borough although an uncertain future hangs over those who have yet to find employment. Praising her colleagues, shop-steward Val Turner said: "It has been a pleasure to work with everyone at the Bury factory. We are more of a family than a group of workers. It is a very sad day."

A local textile company is being rumoured to be taking over the Bond Street factory.