INDUSTRIAL caterers with units servicing some of Swindon's largest companies are among those affected by the sudden closure of Mountstevens.

When the Bristol-based bakers' staff arrived for work yesterday they were told that the company had ceased trading and they were all without jobs.

None of the 800 workers at its 78 shops, including two in Swindon and one in Wootton Bassett, will receive any pay-off and some may not even receive wages due from last week.

For companies running staff canteens it has meant some fast trips to the supermarkets until new suppliers can be found. Catering companies mainly work on a system of preferred suppliers and changes brought about by circumstances involving sudden closures can cause major accounting difficulties to say nothing of logistical problems for catering staff.

One catering manager, who did not wish to be named, said: "This is a bit of a nightmare scenario .

"Bread in particular is something that we all tend to take for granted, and believe me, a long line of customers waiting to be served isn't really interested as to why you haven't got any.

"Alternative suppliers can be found, but it all takes time.

"Just what has happened at Mountstevens is a complete mystery. We haven't heard so much as a whisper that anything was wrong."

Mountstevens was supplying the cake for the Evening Advertiser 2002 Bride of the Year but following news of the closure Sugar Celebrations of Faringdon Road, Swindon, have offered to supply the cake.

A familiar High Street name for 91 years, stunned staff working for the Bristol-based firm were told that the former family business had been declared bankrupt and was shutting immediately.

At the Wootton Bassett shop and cafe in Borough Fields square, a notice was placed on the door before the employees vacated the premises leaving lights on, cakes and bread still on display and patio tables and chairs outside.

The hand-written notice stated: "As of 2.30pm 24/7/02, Mountstevens went bankrupt. Thank you to all our loyal customers.

"This is a shock to us, as I'm sure it is to you. Lorraine."

Mountstevens has branches in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill and Market Street in Swindon town centre and in Wootton Bassett.

Others, some trading as Oven Door, are located in Calne, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Corsham, Melksham and Devizes, as well as Bath, Abingdon and Gloucester.

So far the company has not issued any statement as to why it ceased trading.