Presswork Metals has secured orders that will keep 110 staff in work until after Christmas.

Administrators for the troubled company, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said it would now close at the end of February.

However, about 90 workers will lose their jobs tomorrow as the remainder of the company's order book is completed.

Joe McLean, from administrator Grant Thornton, said a last-minute offer for the company had fallen through earlier this week.

Mr McLean said: "The business has been through a long period of uncertainty, but the situation is now clear. Once this final order has been completed, then we will close the doors."

About 100 workers have left or been made redundant since Presswork went into administration in October.

Despite interest from a number of potential buyers, administrators announced last month that the business was being wound up.

Mr McLean said a number of factors had contributed to the Presswork's demise.

He said: "It would be wrong to say that steel prices were the only factor. This is an extremely price-competitive industry and perhaps the business was not in a healthy enough position to cope with those demands.

"However, throughout what has been a very difficult time for them, staff have conducted themselves in an exemplary fashion. We only regret that we have not been able to save the business."

Presswork, which manufactures parts for the automotive industry, will close on February 24.