The worldwide hike in steel prices has led another North-East manufacturer into financial difficulties, after County Durham firm Kenmore Refrigeration Components declared job losses.

The Crook-based company said rising steel costs had led to a decision to make 17 of the 300 workforce redundant.

Kenmore, which makes cooling systems for household names like Electrolux and Whirlpool, said it was unable to pass on the rising costs to its customers.

Two other manufacturing companies in the region have gone into administration in recent weeks, citing steel prices as one of the main causes for their financial difficulties.