Disabled staff at a Bradford factory were celebrating an announcement today that they would move to new premises, with an increased workforce.

Official news of the move came as union officials protested about delays and uncertainty at the Remploy factory in Barnard Road, East Bowling.

They claimed disabled people were working in bad conditions in the out-of-date factory belonging to the publishing company, where they claimed rain was coming in.

National support poured in for the workers two years ago when it was feared the Bradford factory would close and merge with Leeds.

People with disabilities said they would be unable to do the journey and others said it would put hours onto their working days.

Their fears prompted a 5,000-name petition and MPs took the issue to the House of Commons.

But in January the company said it wanted to stay in Bradford and increase the workforce.

Today John Waterhouse, regional manager (North East) Remploy, said they expected to sign the lease for premises in Bowling Back within a fortnight.

Staff are expected to move into the factory - which will undergo a multi-thousand pound refurbishment - in August.

Mr Waterhouse said the publishing company's ambitious plans included increasing the number of disabled people from 43 to 51.

He added: "The process of establishing a new facility is long and complicated, not least because the needs of disabled people are paramount within the process.

"But all employees and trade unions have been included in discussions throughout - after all it will be their working environment."

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney, chairman of the Friends of Remploy said: "We have moved a long way since 18 months ago and the company has a new focus. They are working to expand the business, not close it."

Phil Davies, national GMB official dealing with Remploy, said he was delighted with progress.

GMB shop steward at the factory Martin Taylor said: "I am delighted the company is showing sense and getting round to doing something. We are indebted to Bradford's MPs for the part they have played in saving the factory."