A TASK force set up in the wake of a closure announcement at a North-East cement works has its first meeting tomorrow.

About 150 staff and dozens of contractors could be out of work when Blue Circle's plant at Eastgate, in Weardale, County Durham, shuts in July, after nearly 40 years.

Senior managers from the firm will discuss the closure at development agency One NorthEast's offices, in Newcastle, tomorrow.

One NorthEast chairman Dr John Bridge is chairing the session, which will be attended by representatives from Wear Valley District and Durham County councils, as well as the County Durham Development Company.