Troubled media group gets assembly government help

The troubled Welsh media firm Barcud Derwen has been promised assistance from the assembly government.

The firm is seeking a buyer due to financial difficulties and a new deadline of Monday has been set, BBC Wales understands.

The Welsh Assembly Government said: "We are aware of the situation and are providing all the assistance that we can with a view to safeguarding jobs."

Barcud Derwen is said to be the largest TV facilities firm outside London.

Financial difficulties at the firm, which is made up of 11 companies, became apparent last month.

A memo has been sent to staff which is hopeful that a buyer may be found for part of the group by early next week.

Assembly, part of the Barcud Derwen group, recently lost the contract to broadcast live proceedings from the National Assembly for Wales.

Business advisors Grant Thornton have been brought in to find a buyer.

One part of the firm, Barcud, was established in 1981. In 1997, it merged with Cardiff-based media firm Derwen.

The media group's 6,500 square ft studio facility in Caernarfon has hosted BBC1's Question Time current affairs programme.