A paper manufacturer which specialises in recycling paper for re-use as newsprint is to go into administration, it has been revealed.

Aylesford Newsprint, in Kent, made the announcement to staff yesterday morning.

The company employs more than 300 people and it is not yet known how the decision may affect jobs.

On average, the company produces 400,000 tonnes of recycled newsprint every year from 500,000 tonnes of recycled waste fibre.

One member of staff told the Kent Messenger: “The news has come out of the blue, but the industry has been declining the last few years.”

Declan Slater, advisor to the board of directors at the New Hythe-based company, said: “The company announced to staff that it would be making an application to the courts to go into administration and expects this to go to court later today.

“When administrators are appointed the will provide more information.”