Cornwall’s ‘oldest pasty marker’ has announced it is to close its factory in the town where the business began.

Warrens Bakery said its operation in St Just was “no longer economically viable,” with the remote location a factor, and that the closure could lead to “significant” job losses.

It is also consulting on the closure of a number of “loss-making shops” in order to “safeguard the future of the wider business.”

While the factory has been there since the 1970s, Warrens has been baking from St Just since 1860, when two families joined together to make pasties, bread and scones.

Since then the business has spread all over Cornwall and has extended nationally, with 70 branches across the UK including Gatwick and Bristol airports.

No timescale has been for when the factory closure will take place, which has been blamed on “continued Brexit uncertainty.”

Warrens said in a statement: "In reaction to continued Brexit uncertainty and its ongoing consumer impact, we have taken the extremely hard decision to propose a restructure of the business. “With sadness and a heavy heart, we are consulting with staff and examining streamlining options, which could lead to a significant loss of jobs throughout the westcountry.”

The company said it would be focussing on profitable parts of the business and growing the brand nationally.

These included providing baked goods for hospitals, travel hubs and carefully chosen high streets, as well as airports.

It also said that while it would keep its “1860 heritage product” the Cornish pasty as its signature The statement added: "We would like to thank our loyal staff and customers wholeheartedly for their continued support.

“We have been part of the West Country community for 160 years and, by implementing these proposed changes, we aim to serve the local economy for many years to come.”

Warrens has said it plans to keep its factory in Callington.