LONDON, June 24 (Reuters) - Associated British Foods ( ASBFF )

said on Tuesday it will extend its deadline for deciding

the fate of its under threat Vivergo bioethanol plant in Hull,

northern England, by 24 hours, hoping the UK government will

step in with a support package.

"At the request of the government, ABF has agreed to

postpone Vivergo closure decisions for 24 hours while

discussions continue on the appropriate process for resolution

of the issues facing the UK bioethanol industry," an AB Foods

spokesperson said.

The group's original deadline was June 25.