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A Merseyside manufacturer founded almost 100 years ago has collapsed into administration after succumbing to what directors described as "difficult trading conditions".

St Helens-based Ena Shaw, which makes soft furnishings, has gone bust with 167 members of staff set to be made redundant.

Administrators RSM Restructuring Advisory announced it had been appointed this week, adding that despite its "best efforts", it was not possible to find a buyer for the firm.

As a result, it has ceased to trade with immediate effect, and RSM said the majority of the employees have been made redundant.

A "small number" of staff have been retained in the short term - to assist administrators with the wind down of operations, it added.

Lindsey Cooper, partner at the firm, said: "Ena Shaw has recently faced challenging trading conditions resulting from an unsettled retail market and increased competition from online and overseas manufacturers.

"It is always very sad when a long-standing family business with close community ties has to close.

"We will be working alongside staff from Job Centre Plus to assist employees with their claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.