The Guardbridge mill went into administration in July this year with the loss of more than 200 jobs.

To date, many workers are still unemployed and, with few choices but jobs offering the minimum wage, some of those who went to see what was being proposed at a special exhibition said they'd had no option but to go on benefit.

In the absence of any hoped-for offers from paper production businesses, Edinburgh-based consultant GVA Grimley has been engaged by the administrators to carry out a public consultation over site's future.

A representative for Grimley said it had been an emotional day for many of the people who called in.

She stressed there were no preconceived ideas and the exhibition was the beginning of close involvement with everyone concerned about the area's future.

From the information boards on show, the former mill on the Eden Estuary could be developed for anything from scientific research; to a centre for artisans and craftspeople; light industrial and manufacturing use to housing.

Other suggestions include a retail park, filling station, distribution centre, supermarket, hotel and health club.