Administrators acting on behalf of Morwellham Quay open-air mining museum near Tavistock, Devon have agreed a deal to safeguard the attraction's future.

Simon and Valerie Lister have bought the business and assets of the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust, which entered administration in September 2009 after running into financial difficulties. Nigel Morrison and David Matthews of Grant Thornton were appointed as joint administrators of the attraction, which had been told by Devon County Council (DCC)that it would receive no more public funding.

However, DCC and principal creditors West Devon Borough Council have supported the sale of Morwellham Quay, which aims to ensure the attraction can reopen to the public. Morrison said: "We are delighted to have successfully completed a transaction that is designed to ensure that this unique visitor attraction remains open to the public."