A Coleraine shirt factory is to close with the loss of 60 jobs. V&H Wright has confirmed that it will shut down its operation within a fortnight. The company blames the impact of cheap foreign labour and rising production costs.

Wright, which began life 30 years ago as the Tern factory, once employed 360 people. The firm made shorts and blouses for retailers, but increasing competition from overseas producers has caused a steady decline in business.

Earlier this year the factory was forced to go on short time working, but business has continued to decline, and now the decision has been made to close completely with the loss of the 60 remaining jobs.

This is the second blow this year to the town's clothing employers. Six months ago Novus Styles also closed, with the loss of 60 jobs.

The failure of V&H Wright is being seen as further evidence of the continued pressure on retailers to cut costs, and to import more of their clothes from low cost producers overseas. It is a trend which has claimed a number of victims within the Northern Ireland clothing and textiles industry over the past 12 months.