SOUTH Swindon's MP paid tribute to the hardworking Honda staff who are now moving on to new jobs and opportunities as the Swindon plant shuts down.

Robert Buckland praised the work of the national task force which formed to help Honda staff find new employment, re-train with new skills and improve their CVs during the last two years so that they could land on their feet after the factory closes.

Mr Buckland said: "Many Honda workers are our friends and fellow residents.

"I am thinking of them as they reach the end of an era and have been making big decisions about their next steps.

"The work of the task force has helped chart a way forward for many.

"It is good news that the site will be redeveloped, creating more future job opportunities."