SCRUBS to help doctors and nurses in the NHS safely treat patients with coronavirus will be made at Laura Ashley’s Texplan factory in Newtown soon.

It was announced last month that the iconic fashion and furnishings company entered into administration after failing to find money to keep it afloat.

And politicians met with company executives and administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers earlier this month to try to find a solution for the firm that could keep job losses in Powys to a minimum.

Employees have now been told by the firm’s chief executive Katherine Poulter that they will be joining the fight against coronavirus.

Ms Poulter said: “I’ve been in talks with the Welsh Government sharing with them my radical turnaround plans for a new restructured and profitable Laura Ashley Group.

“During my conversations with the Welsh Government, the urgent need for more NHS clothing and outerwear came to light and our teams jumped at the opportunity to lend their skilled hands.

“It fills me with enormous pride that, against a backdrop of such personal uncertainty, so many are willing to return to help our incredible NHS front line workers who are caring for so many.”

It is understood that 41 members of staff have volunteers to come back to work to help create scrubs for healthcare workers.

An agreement was made with Alexandra workwear to make the scrubs alongside and other essential products for the NHS.

Linda Andrew, a Laura Ashley supervisor, has been part of the Texplan team in Newtown since 1987, just after the plant was opened by Princess Diana.

She was on furlough when she was told of the development.

LInda said: “My boss explained they’d hatched a plan to sew scrubs and cubicle curtains for the NHS, so of course I said yes.”

“I don’t have the skills to physically help out in a hospital, but this is something I can do.

“We’ve experience of making beautiful handmade curtains for Laura Ashley, but it has been a while since we made garments here in Wales.

“But we’re an adaptable bunch so I’m confident we’ll be able to turn our hand to sewing scrubs.

“I’m keen to get back to work to help make a difference too.”

Powys County Councillor Joy Jones said: “To hear that the Laura Ashley team are making scrubs for the NHS at this difficult time is wonderful news.

“Let’s hope that there will be light at the end of the tunnel for this firm, which is very important to Newtown.

“I would like to think that the late Laura Ashley herself would have stepped up to get involved.”

Laura Ashley, who was born in Merthyr Tydfil, started making Victorian-style head scarves in 1953 after founding a company with her husband Bernard.

They opened their first shop in Machynlleth in 1961 and first factory in Carno later that same year and went on to open shops across the world.

In 1985, aged just 60, Laura Ashley died from injuries sustained in a fall.

Administrators, PricewaterhouseCoooper say they are “delighted” that the firm will make scrubs for National Health Service workers.

Partner and joint Laura Ashley administrator, Rob Lewis, said:  “It’s testament to the resilience and the will of the staff members in these difficult times that they are putting others first and lead this vital work.

“We are very grateful to them for volunteering and for their future efforts.

“I’m delighted that our conversations with the Welsh Assembly have led to the signing of a contract with Alexandra Workwear, who are a supplier to the NHS in Wales.”

He added that the items would be made on a not-for-profit basis.