More retail jobs in Kent are at risk after historic china and glass firm Waterford Wedgwood became the latest victim of the economic slowdown.

Administrators at Deloitte were called in after lenders, including the Bank of America, called in their loans to the company which has debts of more than £400 million.

The firm known for its Wedgwood pottery, Royal Doulton and Waterford crystal operates five concession and outlet stores across the county - in De Bradelei Wharf, Dover; Fenwicks, Canterbury; Nasons, Canterbury; the House of Fraser, Fremlin Walk, Maidstone; and the House of Fraser at Bluewater.

Ireland-based Waterford Wedgwood employs 2,700 staff in the UK and Ireland, including 600 in its factory in Stoke-on-Trent. The Kent outlets are among 19 stores and 120 concessions nationwide.

The firm, whose major investor was Irish media tycoon Sir Anthony O’Reilly, has been struggling for some time and reported pre-tax losses of around £50 million in the six months to October 4.

Group chief executive David Sculley said at the time that the company faced challenging market conditions but it still had the confidence of senior lenders and looked forward to financial restructuring.

However, administrators say attempts to restructure the business have been abandoned and they are now trying to find a buyer for the beleaguered firm.

Hopes of a rescue rose today (6) on speculation that administrators are in talks with three US groups.

Joint administrator, Angus Martin, said they would be continuing to trade while seeking a sale, adding: "Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that represent a high quality product which is steeped in history.

"The administration team will be working closely with management, customers and suppliers during this time to ensure operations continue whilst a sale of the business is sought."

The firm’s origins go back at least to 1759 when it was founded by Josiah Wedgwood, although it was his great-grandfather who actually started the pottery business in 1656. Josiah was dubbed the Father of English Potters.

Waterford was established in 1783 in the Irish port of Waterford by two brothers, William and George Penrose,

Waterford and Wedgwood merged in 1987.

In the past few days, the county has lost hundreds of retail jobs with the closure of Woolworths and Adams kidswear. Others are under threat at Zavvi, Morgan, USC and Blooming Marvellous