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A subsidiary of the Prince's Regeneration Trust has acquired Middleport Pottery, based in Stoke-on-Trent.

United Kingdom Historic Building Preservation Trust (UKHBPT) has bought the site, rescuing it from closure.

The Prince's Regeneration Trust said it now planned to start work on a £7.5m project to revive the business.

All the site's Grade II listed buildings, which are more than 150 years old, will be completely renovated.

A visitor and education centre is also planned for the site, which will create several new jobs.

Once the renovation is complete, the Trust will lease approximately half of the site back to Burgess Dorling & Leigh for pottery production, where it will continue to be used for its original industrial purpose.

In order to complete the acquisition, the Prince's Regeneration Trust received funding from English Heritage, the Regional Growth Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund and several substantial private donations. 

Law firm Pinsent Mason's advised The Prince's Regeneration Trust on the deal.

Arthur Lovitt, head of real estate at Pinsent Masons, said: "As one of the leading lawyers in the real estate sector, we are delighted to provide our support on a pro bono basis to vital heritage schemes such as this. 

"We wholeheartedly support the work of The Prince's Regeneration Trust and are delighted to have been able to support them."