NEARLY 70 workers have lost their jobs after a printing firm went into administration and shut its factory with immediate effect.

Orchestra Printing Wotton, based in nearby village Kingswood, went into administration last week and was closed after no buyer could be found.

All 68 employees have been made redundant.

The factory, which carried out traditional lithographic printing, was part of the Orchestra Group, of which Orchestra Bristol, which is a specialist in data services, has been bought out by a national firm.

Nigel Morrison and Alistair Wardell of Grant Thornton in Bristol have been appointed administrators.

A spokesman for Grant Thornton said: "The group ran into financial difficulties in 2010 due to challenging economic conditions resulting in reduced sales volumes.

"Nigel Morrison said he was pleased to have been able to achieve a sale of the Bristol business but disappointed that a buyer could not be found for Wotton."

Orchestra Bristol was sold to Communisis plc, a leading marketing services provider, for £1.34 million, potentially increasing to £2.25 million upon completion of the transaction. The 122 staff at the Brislington site will remain with the company.

Chairman of Kingswood Parish Council David Rockey said the sudden closure was a great loss to the village.

"It was definitely one of our biggest employers and it is certainly a great loss to the village," he said.

"Any employment site is a loss and I am very disappointed to hear the news."

The printing factory, which has operated under various names, has been in the village for over 60 years.