COMMUNITY leaders say today will go down as one of the pottery industry's blackest days after Wedgwood plunged into administration.

Josiah Wedgwood's foresight to set up a giant pottery in Etruria in the 18th century marked the start of Stoke-on-Trent as a global ceramic superpower.

Nearly 250 years later, directors have called in administrators and politicians say it is a bleak day for not only the industry, but the heritage and culture of the Potteries.

Meanwhile, workers arriving at the Barlaston plant this morning say they are in the dark about their futures, but are not surprised by news of the company's fall from grace.

Stoke-on-Trent South MP said: Rob Flello said: "It is a tragedy for 1,000 families who will have somebody who works for the company, but it is also a tragedy for the pottery industry.

"We mustn't forget that the likes of Churchill China, Dudson and Moorcroft are still going, but in terms of the history of the pottery industry, the first thing you see when you get out of Stoke train station is Wedgwood.

"The pottery industry in North Staffordshire owes everything to Wedgwood, so it is a very sad day.

"It is terrible, right up there with the mines closing."

Wedgwood, one the world's best-known pottery brands, collapsed into administration this morning, as Josiah Wedgwood's legacy entered its 250th year.

All three Stoke-on-Trent MPs have vowed to fight for the historic firm, as they say it remains crucial to the city's identity.

Bosses of parent firm Waterford Wedgwood called in administrator Deloitte after struggling against debts of almost £400 million.

The Irish group has de-listed from the London Stock Exchange and defaulted on bank payments in recent months as problems mounted.

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Mark Fisher said: "This is not the death of the industry, although employment is right down.

"When I first became an MP there were about 55,000 people working in the potteries, whereas now there are probably not more than 5,000.

"Wedgwood is probably the greatest ceramic company in the world, which is why the Government should be concerned and should take a positive interest."

Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley said she hopes a buyer can be found.

She said: "The problems with Wedgwood pre-date the credit crunch.

"It is clearly important to North Staffordshire in terms of the 1,000 jobs.

"If there is a chance at this late stage for a buyer to be found then everything possible should be done to save jobs."

Workers arriving at Barlaston this morning had yet to be told anything official from the company.

A worker of 30 years, who asked not to be named said: "This has been brewing for ages.

"I've heard what's happened on the news but not been told anything officially.

"I'm the main bread-winner in the family so it's worrying but I just have to accept it. It's affecting a lot of people. Everyone is upset, but trying to be positive."

A woman in her 60s, who has worked at the firm for 28 years, added: "I'm just turning up to see what's happened. It's terrible. We've been worried for months.

"I hope the name of Wedgwood doesn't disappear but so many other big names have gone. I'd be sad to lose a job I love. It's a lovely place to work with a really nice team."