Final days of ironworks after 308-year history

When Aga's foundry at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire closes, it will bring to an end more than 300 years of cast iron production on the site.

It was first used as a foundry by Abraham Darby I in 1709 and Aga has been making parts for its ovens there since 1946.

The official closure date is 30 November, but many of the staff are expected to finish work on Thursday.

Aga will continue to make oven parts at its factory in Dudley and assemble them at its plant at Ketley in Telford, but will also be importing cast iron parts from Europe.