JTI Gallaher: 'Shock and tears' at Ballymena cigarette factory closure
Hundreds of factory workers at the JTI Gallaher cigarette factory in Ballymena, County Antrim, are facing redundancy after it was announced the plant is to close, with the loss of more than 800 jobs.
The factory is one of the biggest employers in the area and the North Antrim MP Ian Paisley described the move as a "body blow" to the wider Northern Ireland economy.
Management said there was "shock and tears" as staff were informed at meetings on Tuesday.
Chris Page reports for BBC Newsline.