Coryton refinery: Unite union 'hopeful' of buyer

About 1,000 jobs at the Coryton oil refinery in Essex are under threat after Swiss owner Petroplus filed for bankruptcy.

The refinery, which supplies 20% of fuel for south-east England, halted sales on Monday and told staff it was not sure when supplies would restart.

Russell Jackson, chairman of Unite at Coryton Refinery and a refinery employee, said closure would bring ''heartache'' to the local community.

However, he added he was hopeful that a buyer may be found.