A former director of the troubled Hereford-based cider maker HP Bulmer is to sue the company for unfair dismissal.

Ex-finance director Alan Flockhart has lodged a complaint for unfair dismissal with the Employment Tribunal.

The company's former chief executive, Mike Hughes, has also indicated he is considering action for wrongful dismissal.

Mr Hughes, who presided over five profits warnings, left the company in September last year after a �3.3m hole was found in the company's accounts.

Mr Flockhart also left the company last year.

The news of Mr Flockhart and Mr Hughes' proposed legal action was contained in a document circulated to shareholders ahead of a meeting on Monday where the proposed sell-off of the company's Australian subsidiary will be approved.

A spokesman for the company said it would vigorously contest any compensation claims from either of the two former directors.