WAX jacket manufacturer Barbour last night confirmed it was considering a bid for troubled Wellington boot company Hunter, which plunged into adminstration last week.

South Shields-based Barbour has asked for information from administrators about bidding for the Hunter Rubber Company.

Barbour joins a list of more than 30 potential buyers considering bidding for the Dumfries-based firm, which makes the green welly favoured by the likes of the Royal Family and supermodel Kate Moss.

But administrators have set a deadline of the end of trading today for potential buyers.

Although Barbour is understood to be lukewarm about buying Hunter, it is believed the two distinctively British brands would fit well together.

Last night, a Barbour spokeswoman said: "It is really a bit too early to say anything else. We are now considering the information."

As well as Barbour, it is understood a Serbian tyre manufacturer, Tigar Corporation, which also makes industrial boots, is considering a bid.

Hoggs of Fife, the family-owned outdoor clothing maker, has also been tipped as a possible buyer, while reports at the weekend also suggested rock guitarist Eric Clapton may emerge as a bidder. He bailed out London-based country tailors Cordings three years ago.

Hunter, which has been making wellies since 1856, fell into administration last week after being crippled by rising energy costs and debt. Production was halted at the factory and 48 staff - half its workforce - were made redundant.