A world-famous Walsall-based saddlemakers has gone into voluntary liquidation.

It is not known how many people have lost their jobs at family firm Modern Saddlery Limited, based in Leamore Lane, Bloxwich, but at its peak the company employed around 80 people.

The company was formed in 1950 by Gabriel Power who was a petty officer in the Royal Navy and James Morris who served in the army.

It started out at premises in Bradford Street in Walsall and became a limited company in 1950 when Mr Morris sold his interest in the firm to Gabriel Power.

Mr Power combined a bridle manufacturer he owned in Shaw Street with the firm to make two associated companies – Modern Saddlery and Gabriel Power & Co.

Then in 1959, with international orders increasing all the time, the company moved to larger premises in Margaret Street.

Helping to build up the business were other members of the Power family including Gabriel’s son John and daughter Valerie.

Gabriel Power died in 1965, a year before his new factory in Leamore Lane, Bloxwich, was completed.

Today Mr Power was unavailable for comment but Companies House which register all limited companies confirmed the company was in voluntary liquidation.