THE award-winning Bodnant Welsh Food Centre will close unless a buyer can be found in the next month.

The centre, opened by Prince Charles in 2012, has attracted more than a million visitors and won several awards for its products.

But owners Michael and Caroline McLaren have confirmed the business has faced "intense financial pressures over a significant period".

The pair are also warning that jobs may be lost.

Mr McLaren said: "We are devastated and are very sad indeed for our loyal staff, whose jobs are now under threat. "We're immensely proud of what our staff and the business have achieved. We all take great pride in how much Bodnant Welsh Food Centre has contributed to the local economy.

"However, it is with deep sadness that we are now unable to keep funding the business."

He added: "We will certainly do all that we possibly can to try to find a buyer."

Over the course of the next month, the company will continue to trade while a purchaser is sought through an accelerated sales process handled by accounting firm Smith and Cooper.

Dean Nelson, head of business recovery and insolvency, said: "The shareholders of Bodnant Welsh Food Centre have undoubtedly invested heavily in the business to help cement its future, however, despite their best efforts, we are now faced with a challenging situation to find an alternative purchaser to secure the future of the business and its employees."

Staff at the centre have been informed of the situation and have carried on as normal this week, hosting Halloween-themed activity sessions for children.

The Bodnant Welsh Food Centre prides itself on selling local produce such as cheese made from milking cows that graze less than a mile away.

The centre has been awarded several gold stars for its meat and dairy products.