It was one of the region's biggest success stories and a major employer.

This month though employees were left shocked and bewildered as they were laid off in their hundreds when Granville Technology Group closed.

Some found out when they switched on the TV and others were told with no warning as they began a new day at work.

One furious worker said: 'We only found out what was happening because we saw it on the internet. Its disgraceful.'

Others said they had no idea their jobs were in jeopardy and only heard the bad news on the office radio.

Some employees from the community will find it difficult to find other jobs despite promise of support from local employment agencies.

Administrators Grant Thornton confirmed the company had been losing £2million a month since January and had debts of more than £50million.

Creditors were warned they may only see a very small return following the collapse and customers are unlikely to receive any goods they have already paid for.

The companys only worthwhile assets are believed to be the Time and Tiny brands, but they may prove complicated for the administrators to sell.

There was hope that some jobs would be saved as the company had a reputation of bouncing back and it was thought part of the company which produced plasma screens would continue at the site in Simostone, Burnley. But this, it is believed will not happen.

The company was set-up Tahir Mohsan and brother Tariq in 1987 and went on to become a multi-million pound empire.

When Time Computers bought rival Tiny for £20million in 2002, it gave the company a 30 per cent share of the UK home computer market. Things looked rosy for the firm and as the PC's made their way on to the shelves of Tesco's.

Since news of the redundancies there have been various questions raised about the management.

Brian Glick, editor of Computing magazine, said "For a while Granville had the edge over rivals because it could say that it was the only company to manufacture computers and sell them through their own shops.

"But now firms like Dell allow people to buy computers built to specification off their website.

"The large companies have been driving down the price of computers and can afford to do so, but Granville couldnt compete."

It has been reported that the Mohsan family is hoping to hammer out a rescue deal.

Meanwhile the countys economic regeneration leaders in Lancashire have set up a taskforce to help workers made redundant after the collapse of the company.

The taskforce, formed by local authorities, business groups and skills agencies will offer advice on job hunting and training.

Job Centre plus held a jobs fair in Burnley for ex-employees and over 300 people turned out. Burnley Borough Council stepped in to pay for enlarging the fair from five to 20 employers in a bid to help staff.