HUNDREDS of workers were today given fresh hope that LDV could be rescued within a month as a range of “very credible” bidders prepare to battle it out for the stricken van maker.

With the hours running out before today’s deadline for first round bids, administrators handling the collapse of the Washwood Heath factory said “clarity” over the future of the van maker was likely in just two to three weeks.

Administrator Mark Hopkins of PricewaterhouseCoopers said he was “encouraged” by the interest in the van-maker – with up to nine firms signing confidentiality agreements ahead of possible further due diligence. “We are inviting interested parties to submit their first round indicative offers by close of play today,” he said.

“There have been many conversations with interested parties over the last week and some of them will be complying with our request that they submit their bids by close of play today.

“In the next couple of days, we will be evaluating the proposals that are submitted and considering what due diligence requirements interested parties may have.

“There are eight or nine parties who have signed non-disclosure agreements and they have received further information.

“As things stand at the moment, I am encouraged that there are a number of very credible parties who have signed non-disclosure agreements with us. The fact that there is a range of interested parties out there is very encouraging.