Factory workers at Laura Ashley's Texplan factory in Newtown are to return to work to produce scrubs for the NHS as part of the fight against coronavirus.

In March, the iconic fashion and furnishings company entered administration after failing to find funding to keep it afloat.

Politicians met with the company executives and administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) earlier this month, to try and find a solution for the firm, that could keep job losses in Powys to a minimum.

But amidst the company's troubles, the team has also put together plan to produce the equipment for hospitals.

Employees were told by chief executive, Katharine Poulter, that they would be helping the battle against Covid-19.

Ms Poulter, said: “What has filled me with enormous pride has been the resourcefulness and spirit of the Texplan team.

“They have hatched a plan to support the NHS by making scrubs which we will be doing on a not-for profit basis.

“Next week we will be sourcing the materials.”

By the end of April, she said that 25 machinists would return to work to make up to 3,000 sets of scrubs a week in Mid Wales.

Ms Poulter said that this would give the company a “great sense of pride” to be helping with the PPE shortage.

“It is brilliant to be able to lend our support to the NHS when they too are in need,” said Ms Poulter.

Powys County Councillor Joy Jones added: “To hear that the Laura Ashley team are making scrubs for the NHS at the difficult time is wonderful news.

“Let hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel for this firm who are very important to Newtown.

“I would like to think it is what the late Laura Ashley herself would have stepped up to get involved.”