A NEWPORT power station has been sold, it was confirmed today, raising hopes that the 83-strong workforce could regain their jobs.

The Uskmouth power plant, which stopper power production in April, has been bought by "a consortium of international investors", who wished to remain anonymous until their long term plan is finalised.

The buyers said they have interests in “a wide range of mining, coal and cement production assets worldwide”.

Built around 50 years ago, Uskmouth was the UK’s oldest and least efficient coal fired power station.

Paul Smith, of current owner SSE, said: “Suitable purchasers for such assets are very limited in today’s marketplace and signing over the decommissioned site to the consortium was the next logical step for a plant that had reached the end of its operational life within SSE’s portfolio.”

"We are hopeful the Uskmouth plant will have a viable future under its new owner, which we believe has a workable business plan and can take the asset forward.”

When the power plant closed in May, SSE said their employees were given the best possible terms of relocation or departure.

The new buyer has said they are looking to re-employ some of the workforce. James Bush, of the company, said they are hoping to re-hire “ultimately most of them”.