INTEREST in taking over Shaws of Darwen, whose parent company was put into receivership on Wednsesday, is said to be high.

Administrators Ernst and Young were called into the 109-year-old ceramics company after parent company Qual-ceram Shires suspended its shares on the stockmarket on Tuesday.

But the future of Shaws, which employs 82 people and had a turnover of £5.3million last year, is believed to be positive.

Joint Administrator Hunter Kelly said: “Shaws is a profitable business.

"It is one of a small number of fireclay sink and architectural terracotta producers in the world.

“Shaws markets to schools, universities and special building projects and to some extent is sheltered from the current global economic crisis.

“We have been contacted by a number of parties expressing an interest in the business.”

Coun Julie Slater said: “It would be a sad loss to Waterside and East Rural if it goes.

"We can’t afford to lose any more jobs.”