Three workers who have worked for blanket makers Early's for a total of 127 years say they are devastated by the closure of the factory.

The plant in Witney will shut on July 19. Its 72 workers have been given the chance to relocate to Ilkeston in Derbyshire, but negotiations are still going on. Early's, founded in 1669, is one of the oldest companies in the country.

Quiltex took over Early's earlier this year and will now move manufacturing to a factory near its headquarters in Ilkeston after failing to find an alternative site in Witney.

Planning permission to turn the site into housing, which is owned by a subsidiary of Early's, was granted last month by West Oxfordshire District Council.

Tony Clapton, 64, of Bladon, would have retired in a year's time having served 50 years with Early's. He joined straight from school when he was 15.

"My father worked there for 25 years and my uncle for 50 years. I started at Woodford Mill in a really old part of the factory.

"There were 400 workers and a good, friendly atmosphere and a canteen serving really good meals.

"We are all very sad to see it go as so many of us have worked here for so long. It is very sad day too for Witney as a whole. Blanket making has been such a part of the town for centuries."

John Brooks, 63, of Westfield Road, Witney, has been with the company for 41 years. He said: "Now I will be seeing it all knocked down. It is most distressing. I still can't believe the factory is shutting for good. We are all feeling very low."

Sue Downes can see Early's factory from her home in Crawley Road, Witney.

"In November I would have worked there 37 years. I, like everyone else, was devastated when we got the news. My parents worked there in their time."

None of the three have decided on their future yet.