A long-standing printing firm has ceased trading but its name has been saved after a rival firm stepped in.

Alphaprint Ltd, based in Challenge Way, Hythe Hill, Colchester, called in the liquidators after a rescue bid failed.

The firm, which has been trading for 38 years, agreed to be ‘voluntarily wound-up’ before Christmas.

Ipswich-based Bravo Print has now taken on the Alphaprint name.

Mark Brown, of Bravo Print, said it would be "business as usual".

He said: "We have spoken to the liquidators and bought the name Alphaprint and secured several jobs.

"We had heard they were in difficulties and tried to get a rescue package and take over the whole company. but it was never going to be possible in the time.

"We are hoping to keep all the customers. It is business as usual.

"We are fronting the operation but a number of the staff remain and the name is Alphaprint.

"We are hopeful it will flourish under our management."

The firm was run by Gregory Pye and Mr Brown said Mr Pye's son Darren remained involved in the business.

The firm was established in 1980 and has a 30,000sqft base in Colchester.

It was thought to employ around 20 people, with eight employees kept on.

The printers offers services including litho printing, digital printing, mailing, storage and despatch and design.

It is one of only a few printing companies in the country to be recognised by the Forestry Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certifications.

Tim Young, Colchester Council's business boss, said: "They are a well known firm and they have done a lot of work for a number of local companies and the council.

"Hopefully there will be no forced redundancies or anything like that.

"It is of concern a well known local firm has reached this difficult position but it is good another company came in to at least partially save the operation at that site. That is good news."

Liquidators Valentine & Co said it did not comment on any liquidation cases it deals with.