An exhibition showing the decades-long social life of tumble dryer staff will be installed before it closes.

White goods firm Beko Europe told staff last month that the Hotpoint UK factory in Yate, near Bristol, would close on December 31. Resulted in 142 layoffs.

While the factory has been located on Station Road under different guises and names for 107 years, it also served as a social club for many years.

Yate Town Council community projects manager Leah Collier is asking people to send in stories “so we can collect them for future generations to look back on and enjoy as much as we did.”

The site began as a Royal Flying Corps base in 1917, before becoming Parnall’s base during the Second World War. It later became known as Jackson’s, Creda, Whirlpool and now Beko.

Organized by Yate Town Council, the exhibition will harken back to decades of highly social activities involving factory workers and local people.

Ms Collier said the social club was “really key” for community events, sports clubs and birthday parties.

Ms Collier said: “When we heard the plant was closing we realized it would have a huge impact on our community and it will mean a lot to so many people to see this facility close.”

“When a major employer in a small town closes down, it’s really sad for everyone,” Ms. Collier added.

“Everyone who ever worked there, everyone who works there now, and everyone who has passed through these doors socially since 1917.

“There’s a social club there that’s really important.”

He added that he wanted the exhibit to offer people “a place where they can relax, make memories, meet other people and share the stories of generations.”

The exhibition opens on December 3 and will be open until at least February 1, 2025.

A spokesperson for Hotpoint UK said: “We understand the impact of the news on our employees, contractors on site and the whole community.

“We continue to provide support to all of our employees, including career workshops, navigating change, financial planning and access to career resources and coaching networks to support them through this process.

“We are committed to working with the local community to celebrate the rich history and heritage of the site and will promote the exhibition extensively.”