300 year old paper mill saved from collapse

For the majority of the year, workers at one of the few remaining paper mills in Kent had the threat of redundancy hanging over them.

The business was already on the market when in January its parent company went into administration.

However, a management buyout has just been agreed securing dozens of jobs and keeping alive a tradition that goes back centuries.

• Tony Green visited the mill. Watch his report below:

For many months now, there's been trouble at the mill.

Paper has been made here in Chartham since the 1700s, but after the parent company of its most recent owners collapsed, there was a risk the business could finally go under.

Workers didn't know if they'd still have a job or get paid until a management buyout was finalised this week.

• Mark Hodbay - Mill Manager

This one of a number of mills in the industry that trained paper making apprentices like James Supple.

• James Supple - Processing controller

With the threat of closure in the past, the company is now looking towards the future.

They've developed these products.

It's made out of paper but it keeps the air out and could be used as a replacement for plastic in food packaging because its recyclable and biodegradable.

Closing the deal on keeping the mill open has secured jobs and kept alive a centuries old tradition.