Shocked employees of a Keighley firm have told how they turned up for work as usual on Monday morning to find the company had folded.

Graphics Signs and Advertising, which just months ago took over the long-established Keighley Coachworks company, has ceased trading.

Its four employees are now without jobs. Coachbuilder Keith Ayrton, 58, says he was unaware of any problem until he arrived to open up the Brewery Street premises at 7.30am on Monday.

He told us: "When I went in all the computers had gone. Everything had been shifted out over the weekend. None of us had any idea what was happening."

When Graphics Signs and Advertising successfully completed the takeover in January, managing director Richard Metcalfe publicly heralded a "prosperous and exciting future" for the company. He hoped for jobs expansion.

Now employees say they feel betrayed and badly let down by him.

Keighley Coachworks was established in 1973 by Christine Dale and her late husband Ian. She successfully continued the business following his death.

Mr Ayrton, who has been with the company for five years, says: "Christine is a good friend and I had known her husband for many years, indeed we went to school together. They built up a good business and this has come as a real blow to everyone.

"Two of the employees have been here for 12 years."

Finn Associates in Leeds confirms it has been approached about the liquidation of Graphics Signs and Advertising.

A spokesman told us: "We received a call from Mr Metcalfe last week as a result of which we met him on Monday.

"We explained that we required a formal letter of notification plus information about assets and liabilities. We are awaiting this before proceeding with the liquidation.

"I can confirm that the company has ceased trading and its affairs are in limbo."

Graphics Signs and Advertising - established in 1989 - has produced vehicle liveries for several big name clients including Bradford Bulls, top trials rider Dougie Lampkin and Pulse FM.

Mr Metcalfe yesterday confirmed that the company had ceased trading.

He denies rumours that he has set up a business elsewhere, although he says he is offering a design service from home.

He told us: "I very much regret what has happened. There are various factors involved but we have become a victim of circumstance, trying to grow too quickly. Unfortunately I have had to lay people off."

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