Pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline has been described as a long-standing 'integral part of the Ulverston community' as local people express sadness at its impending closure.

It was confirmed earlier in the month that manufacturing operations at GSK will cease next year as its current contract with a pharmaceutical company has not been extended.

The site has been producing the antibiotic Zinnat for the Swiss-owned firm Sandoz.

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Around 100 jobs are believed to be at risk. 

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Terry Horne, a former reporter for the The Mail, who lives in Ulverston, said: "It's a real blow for the economy of Ulverston and surrounding area. Quite honestly, it's hard to imagine Ulverston without Glaxo which has been the biggest employer since the 1940s.

"There's hardly a family without a connection with the company and I even held my retirement party at the Glaxo sports club. It's so sad."

(Image: Andy Buchanan/PA) Even the Mayor of the town trained and worked there for two decades with the employer's legacy passed down to his family.

Mayor of Ulverston Graham Scrogham, said: "I'm sad to see the closure of Glaxo. It's been an integral part of the Ulverston community and landscape for so long.

(Image: Terry Horne) "I was lucky to do my apprenticeship there, starting in 1983 when there were over 2,000 people working on site. I had twenty very enjoyable and interesting years there and I made many lifelong friends.

"I was very proud when my son started his apprenticeship there too. Glaxo had a very active sports and social scene with the club in town and lots of sports teams playing just about every sport thinkable.

"The Glaxo sports day was  a key date in many families' calendars. Its gradual closure over the past twenty years has seen many buildings disappear and the site shrinking in size both physically and in employee numbers.

(Image: Ulverston Town Council) "I'm hopeful for the future of the site once Glaxo closes its doors for the final time and that the remaining employees find quality work in the area. I'll be sad to lose such a globally significant company from our community."

GSK said it was continuing to explore alternative options for the land and was in 'in-depth discussions with interested parties.'