NINETEEN jobs have been lost at a Kearsley company. Administrators have been called in to Bethell Fleet Holdings Ltd in Kearsley -- a stand-alone business which was demerged from Bethell Group plc two years ago.

Bethell Group plc -- the Bolton and Bury Company of the Year in October, 2001 -- is not affected.

Bethell Fleet Services undertakes contract vehicle hire, daily vehicle rental, van sales and various types of repair work. Joint Administrator Paul Flint said today that there was a remaining workforce of 28 people and they were hopeful of finding a buyer.