Regional newspaper publisher Archant has closed the doors on its Ipswich printing site for the final time with the loss of 12 jobs.

The plant closed after flagship title the Evening Star rolled off the presses last Thursday.

The Star and 16 other publications have now moved to an expanded facility at Thorpe, near Norwich.

The decision to upgrade the facilities at Norwich has opened the way to full colour on every page for the Star and other Archant titles.

Archant originally announced plans to close the Ipswich plant in August 2007. There were 28 employees there at the time.

By the time it closed last week there were 12 employees left who decided to take redundancy rather than take up alternative positions in Norwich.

Managing director of Archant Print Nick Schiller said: “The Ipswich workforce have been an outstanding team. They have consistently produced papers on time and to a high standard and last year they were awarded 2008 Archant Print Team of the Year.”

He said the only difference for the Evening Star would be an improvement in quality and full colour.