FOR five generations, members of the same family gave their name to one of the region's most famous companies.

Terry's of York sold their chocolate products across the world, with household names such as Chocolate Orange and All Gold leading the way.

Now the last surviving Terry who managed the York factory has spoken of his sadness at the announcement that it will close next year.

US owner Kraft Foods plans to move production to more cost-effective plants in Sweden, Belgium, Poland and in Slovakia, and 316 jobs will be lost.

Peter Terry, 85, returned to the Bishopthorpe Road site and said: "This is a tragic moment; for the more than 300 who work here; for past employees; for years of history."

Mr Terry, who lives in Brandsby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, went on to criticise "people from abroad who take over without having a local interest".

Mr Terry, a former deputy managing director and sales director of the company, was made "president of Terry's for life" by Lord Laing, of United Biscuits, when the conglomerate acquired the factory from Colgate Palmolive in 1982.

He stayed with the company for another three years as a consultant.

His great-grandfather, Sir Joseph Terry, son and namesake of the original Joseph Terry, who gave his name to the company, was Lord Mayor of York.

Sir Francis Terry, one of Joseph junior's sons, was a York councillor.